INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Adult Education: Finance

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what Government funding for adult education courses there has been in each year since 1997 for which records are available, broken down by local authority in the East of England.

Bill Rammell: The total funding allocated to providers for adult learners in the East of England region is set out in the following table. It includes funding for further education, work-based learning and adult community learning for all years, with train to gain funding included for 2006/07 and 2007/08.
	It is not possible to breakdown funding by local authority as the data are not recorded on this basis. However information on adult funding by local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for the period 2002/03 to 2005/06 is available in the LSC's published accounts.
	
		
			   Funding totals (£) 
			 2002/03 146,697,284 
			 2003/04 179,728,472 
			 2004/05 189,506,465 
			 2005/06 179,843,435 
			 2006/07 191,905,491 
			 2007/08(1) 191,950,721 
			 Totals 1,079,631,868 
			 (1) Train to gain funding included in the total for this year is based on contract values; providers will only secure the funding if they are successful in delivering to the expected number of learners. 
		
	
	The LSC Statement of Priorities 2008-11 published on 16 November sets out the Government's funding strategy for 2008-09 to 2010-11.
	Total investment through the Learning and Skills Council will increase from £11.2 billion in 2007-08 to £12.4 billion in 2010-11. Funding for adult participation will increase to £3.6 billion by 2010-11, an increase of 17 per cent. compared with 2007-08.
	We will also be substantially increasing investment for adult learning through train to gain from £440 million in 2007-08 to over £1 billion by 2010-11. Taking into account both FE allocations and train to gain funding, 90 per cent. of all colleges will have the opportunity to increase their funding in 2007/08 compared with 2006/07, with 57 per cent. earning 5 per cent. or more (some of these colleges will be leading consortia).
	Our priority is to make sure that adult learners have access to a full range of courses including progression and first steps learning through the foundation learning tier, learning for its own intrinsic value (personal and community development learning) as well as courses which lead to full qualifications necessary for employment. That is why we are investing around £1.5 billion per year on learning below level 2 over the next three years. The recently published "Adult Learning and Skills: Investing in the First Steps" sets the story of our investment in this area and our vision for adult learners who have not yet obtained basic skills.

Islam: Education

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and universities are taking to address the gaps in Islamic studies teaching and research highlighted in the report Islam at Universities in England—meeting the needs and investing in the future; and how the HEFCE intends to spend the £1 million the Government committed to this work in June 2007.

Bill Rammell: Following the report "Islam at Universities in England", we designated Islamic studies as a strategically important subject in Higher Education. This was on the grounds of its contribution to the UK's political and cultural capital through its role in promoting understanding of Islam in the context of the world today. HEFCE are looking at longer term proposals to address the problem identified by Dr. Siddiqui that currently Islamic studies teaching and research do not address the dominant Muslim experience of the faith and its culture in Britain and are too focused on a Middle Eastern perspective and do not address the experience of living as a minority faith in a multi-cultural society.
	HEFCE have set aside £1 million for 2007-08 to undertake development and research work and produce longer term proposals for addressing the gaps in Islamic studies teaching and research highlighted in the report. This development phase is well under way and we expect detailed proposals from HEFCE in summer 2008.

National Security

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to the Statement of the Prime Minister of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 667-72, on national security, when he expects the investigation of the Higher Education Funding Council into setting up a European centre of excellence for Islamic students to be complete; what he expects its cost to be; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: I expect the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to report on the feasibility of establishing a European centre of excellence for Islamic studies in summer 2008. That report would include an estimate of the costs of such a centre.
	In April this year, we responded to the report by Dr Siddiqui on Islam in Universities by defining Islamic studies as a strategically important subject in Higher Education. This was on the grounds of its contribution to the UK's political and cultural capital through its role in promoting understanding of Islam in the context of the world today. HEFCE are looking at longer term proposals to address the problem identified by Dr Siddiqui that currently Islamic studies teaching and research do not address the dominant Muslim experience of the faith and its culture in Britain and are too focused on a Middle Eastern perspective and do not address the experience of living as a minority faith in a multi-cultural society.
	The investigation of the idea of European centre of excellence will form part of HEFCE's work to develop a long term response, in partnership with Government and the university sector to the shortcomings in Islamic studies identified in Dr Siddiqui's report. We aim to establish the UK as an international benchmark for Islamic studies outside the Islamic world.

Students: Loans

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the cost of writing off unpaid student loans was in each year since their introduction.

Bill Rammell: Loans are cancelled due to the borrower's death; being disabled and permanently unable to work; or, for loans issued before 2006/07, on age grounds. New students from 2006 will have any remaining balance cancelled after 25 years. Student loans are not written off simply because they are unpaid.
	The available data are given in the table.
	
		
			  Value of student loans cancelled—borrowers domiciled in the UK to 2001-02, England from 2002-03—financial year loan cancelled 
			  Financial year  Cost (£ million) 
			 1990-91 — 
			 1991-92 — 
			 1992-93 0.1 
			 1993-94 0.2 
			 1994-95 0.3 
			 1995-96 0.5 
			 1996-97 0.9 
			 1997-98 1.0 
			 1998-99 0.9 
			 1999-2000(1) 1.2 
			 2000-01 1.1 
			 2001-02 1.4 
			   
			 2002-03 2.0 
			 2003-04 2.7 
			 2004-05(2) 2.4 
			 2005-06(2) 4.5 
			 2006-07(3) 5.5 
			 '(—)' = Less than £50,000 (1) 1999-2000 includes some transactions which related to the previous year. (2) 2005-06 includes some transactions which could not be processed in the previous year for operational reasons. (3) 2006-07 data are provisional.  Source: Student Loans Company 
		
	
	Separate England data are not available before 2002-03.
	The increase in the value of loans cancelled is related to the increase in the loans portfolio, which has been growing since student loans were introduced in 1990. For English domiciled students the value of the portfolio has increased from £8.8 billion in March 2003 to £18.1 billion (provisional) in March 2007.
	Student loans from the Government are not like commercial loans: interest is paid at the rate of inflation, so in real terms students only pay back what they borrowed. For income-contingent loans available since 1998, repayment is linked to earnings and borrowers only repay if their earnings are over £15,000; from April 2012 they will be able to take up to five years' 'Repayment Holiday' and those taking out a student loan from 2006 have their debt cancelled after 25 years.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Delivery Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which companies are under contract to his Department to provide mail services.

Shaun Woodward: The following companies are under contract to my Department:
	Captain Courier,
	Crown Executive Cars,
	DHL,
	Hayes DX,
	Royal Mail,
	TNT.

Departmental Data Protection

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he proposes to review how his Department transports data; and whether his Department uses TNT to transport data.

Paul Goggins: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department and its agencies spent on end-of-year bonus payments in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   End-of-year bonus payments (£) 
			 2003 132,300 
			 2004 365,930 
			 2005 476,299 
			 2006 502,667 
			 2007 557,000

Missing Persons

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to improve the speed and methods by which missing persons in Northern Ireland are traced.

Paul Goggins: PSNI appreciates the impact on families when loved ones are reported missing, and is committed to tracing such persons. Training is given at student officer level, in detective training, and in critical incident training for senior officers. The PSNI website includes pictures and details of those missing and links to support organisations. PSNI also works with the 'Missing Kids' initiative—a partnership between police services, the Police National Missing Persons Bureau and an international charity.
	New initiatives are enhancing the police service's approach to missing persons. A review of service procedures is nearly complete and includes tailored guidance on children and young persons absconding from residential care homes. PSNI has completed a pilot involving three care homes, working closely with social services.
	District command units will introduce public protection units early in 2008. The units include expertise to identify trends and patterns to help ensure a corporate and effective approach on missing persons.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission: Expenditure

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on  (a) salaries,  (b) travel and  (c) subsistence in each financial year since 2003-04.

Shaun Woodward: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			   £ 
			  2003-04  
			 Salaries 587,801 
			 Travel 11,079 
			 Subsistence 1,301 
			   
			  2004-05  
			 Salaries 602,553 
			 Travel 10,165 
			 Subsistence 778 
			   
			  2005-06  
			 Salaries 685,377 
			 Travel 28,690 
			 Subsistence 1,372 
			   
			  2006-07  
			 Salaries 780,747 
			 Travel 23,767 
			 Subsistence 2,074

Police Service of Northern Ireland

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been  (a) questioned and  (b) charged in connection with the recent attempted murders of Police Service of Northern Ireland officers in Londonderry and Dungannon.

Paul Goggins: The PSNI has confirmed that two people were formally questioned in connection with the attempted murder of the PSNI officer in Dungannon but later released without charge. Three people have been formally questioned in connection with the attempted murder of the PSNI officer in Londonderry. PSNI investigations are continuing into both incidents.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Graduates

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Police Service of Northern Ireland regular officers are university graduates, broken down by  (a) rank,  (b) age,  (c) sex and  (d) community background.

Paul Goggins: I am advised that since the PSNI was established in 2001 and recruiting was outsourced, educational qualifications have not been routinely requested or supplied. This is consistent with national recruitment policy. It is, therefore, not possible to accurately state how many officers are in possession of a primary degree or equivalent as this information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Part-time Employment

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many regular officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland worked on a part-time basis in the last period for which figures are available, broken down by  (a) age,  (b) sex and  (c) community background.

Paul Goggins: I am advised by PSNI that, as of 30 November 2007, the breakdown of regular officers working on a part-time basis is as follows:
	
		
			  Number of officers working part-time basis 
			   Female  Male  Total 
			  Protestant
			  Age  b and
			 26-29 2 — 2 
			 30-33 8 — 8 
			 34-37 12 — 12 
			 38-41 25 1 26 
			 42-45 11 — 11 
			 46-49 2 — 2 
			 Total 60 1 61 
			 
			  Roman Catholic
			  Age  b and
			 30-33 1 — 1 
			 34-37 2 — 2 
			 38-41 1 — 1 
			 42-45 1 — 1 
			 Total 5 — 5 
			 
			  Undetermined
			  Age  b and
			 34-37 — 1 1 
			 42-45 1 — 1 
			 Total 1 1 2 
			  Overall  t otal
			  Community background
			 Protestant 60 1 61 
			 Roman Catholic 5 0 5 
			 Undetermined 1 1 2 
			 Overall Total 66 2 68

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Secondment

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Police Service of Northern Ireland officers were seconded to police forces in Great Britain in each year since 2005, broken down by  (a) rank and  (b) sex.

Paul Goggins: I am advised by PSNI that there have been no PSNI officers seconded to police forces in Great Britain since 2005. A number of officers have been seconded to a variety of policing agencies including Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA). A breakdown by rank and gender is outlined in the following table.
	
		
			  Rank  Female  Male  Total 
			 Constable 1 2 3 
			 Sergeant — 6 6 
			 Inspector 2 6 8 
			 Chief/Inspector 1 3 4 
			 Superintendent — 3 3 
			 Chief/ Superintendent — 3 3 
			 ACC 1 — 1 
			 Total 5 23 28

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Sick Leave

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Police Service of Northern Ireland  (a) regular and  (b) full-time reserve officers were on paid sick leave caused by stress in each financial year from 2002-03.

Paul Goggins: The number of  (a) regular and  (b) full-time reserve officers who were absent on grounds of stress (work related and non work related) during the years for which figures are requested is detailed in the following table.
	
		
			   Regular officers  Full-time reserve officers 
			 2002-03 377 156 
			 2003-04 337 138 
			 2004-05 322 91 
			 2005-06 268 33 
			 2006-07 282 22 
		
	
	The figures include all officers who took paid and unpaid sick leave at any time in each year. The number of officers absent and unpaid varies over the course of a year.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Training

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will break down the numbers of Police Service of Northern Ireland trainees by  (a) age,  (b) sex and  (c) community background.

Paul Goggins: I am advised by PSNI that, as of 28 November 2007, the breakdown of the 206 police trainees is as follows:
	
		
			  Age bands  Number 
			 18 to 20 14 
			 21 to 25 69 
			 26 to 30 63 
			 31 to 35 33 
			 36 to 40 19 
			 41 to 45 6 
			 46 to 47 2 
			   
			  Gender  
			 Male 136 
			 Female 70 
			   
			  Community background  
			 Protestant 97 
			 Catholic 107 
			 Not determined 2

Prisoners Transfers

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland prisoners were transferred to prisons in England and Wales in each of the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: There have been no Northern Ireland prisoners transferred to prisons in England and Wales in the last 12 months.

Prisons: Mobile Phones

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many mobile telephones were seized in prisons in Northern Ireland in each of the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: The following table sets out the number of mobile phones found in Northern Ireland prisons in each of the last 12 months.
	
		
			   Maghaberry  Magilligan  Hydebank 
			 December 2006 4 3 0 
			 January 2007 1 1 0 
			 February 2007 4 2 0 
			 March 2007 2 5 0 
			 April 2007 1 3 0 
			 May 2007 1 5 2 
			 June 2007 1 4 0 
			 July 2007 2 2 0 
			 August 2007 1 5 0 
			 September 2007 1 2 0 
			 October 2007 8 5 0 
			 November 2007 2 4 0 
			 Total 28 41 2

Terrorism

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been  (a) questioned about and  (b) charged with the bomb scare in Enniskillen and the planting of a device which ignited a canon at Newry War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday, 11 November; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: PSNI has advised that 18 people have been interviewed as witnesses in connection with the bomb scare in Enniskillen. PSNI investigations are continuing but to date no arrests or charges have been made in connection with either incident.
	These mindless and despicable acts have no place in our society and those responsible need to know that they will not deter us from achieving long-term political stability.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Children in Care

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many children are in care outside their home local authority area.

Kevin Brennan: The number of children looked after by local authorities in England, who were placed outside the area of their local authority was 20,200 at 31 March 2006. This represented 33 per cent. (60,300) of all children looked after at 31 March 2006. Table 22 of the statistical volume entitled Children Looked After by Local Authorities Year Ending 31 March 2006 is accessible at:
	http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DBA/OL/v000721/Addition1.xls

Children in Care: Standards

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many  (a) private and  (b) local authority children's homes have been deregistered in each of the last 10 years; and what percentage of the total number of children's homes such deregistrations represented in each year.

Kevin Brennan: Information on the number of private children's homes that have been deregistered in each of the last 10 years is not held centrally by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
	Information on the number of local authority children's homes that have been deregistered in each of the last 10 years can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Equal Pay

Jo Swinson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality whether an equal pay audit  (a) has been conducted and  (b) is planned for the Government Equalities Office.

Barbara Follett: holding answer 3 December 2007
	No equal pay audit has been conducted since the Government Equalities Office was announced by the Prime Minister on 26 July 2007 and set up as a stand alone Department on 12 October 2007. As a matter of good practice, the Office would plan to conduct an equal pay audit, but no timetable has been set for this as yet.

SCOTLAND

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what the office costs for his Department's special advisers for 2007-08 are expected to be, including costs of support staff; and how many full-time equivalent civil servants work in support of such special advisers.

David Cairns: No staff in the Scotland Office are directly employed to support special advisers. The office costs of special advisers are not separately recorded.

Departmental Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from his Office in each year since 1997; which organisations staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999. The Office does not directly employ staff and does not second staff to other organisations. All staff in the Office are on loan from other Government Departments, such as the Scottish Executive and Ministry of Justice. Information on staff numbers is published in the Office's Annual Report, a copy of which is in the House Library. The Office does not keep central records in a form that would allow the cost of each loan to be identified.

Departmental Visits Abroad

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on overnight accommodation for Ministers overseas in the last year.

David Cairns: Details of the cost of overseas travel, including the cost of travel and accommodation, are contained in the Overseas Travel by Cabinet Ministers list. The latest list for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 was published on 25 July 2007. Details for the 2007-08 financial year will be published as soon as possible after the end of the financial year. All travel is made in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Corporate Hospitality

David Simpson: To ask the Leader of the House on how many occasions she has accepted corporate hospitality in the last 12 months.

Harriet Harman: In the last 12 months, neither my right hon. Friend the then Leader of the House until 28 June 2007 (Mr. Straw) nor I (Leader of the House of Commons since then) have received corporate hospitality that has not already been declared in the Register of Members' Interests.

Departmental Public Participation

Francis Maude: To ask the Leader of the House how many responses were received to the Government's consultation on the Draft Legislative Programme for 2007-08; and from whom.

Helen Goodman: The consultation on the draft legislative programme was made up of a number of events and activities which included the publication of the Draft Legislative Programme on the Cabinet Office and Leader of the House of Commons' website. 106 responses were received in writing or by email. We are currently checking with these respondents that they are happy for their responses and names to be released into the public domain. Once this process has completed we will place a copy in the Library.
	The Leader of the House of Commons published "The Government's Legislative Programme—Taking a wider view" on 14 November 2007 which summarised the activity that had taken place this year.

Ministerial Duties

Jo Swinson: To ask the Leader of the House what proportion of her average working week is allocated to her role as  (a) Leader of the House,  (b) Minister for Women and Equalities and  (c) Lord Privy Seal; what responsibilities she has as Minister for Women and Equalities; and what mechanisms are in place for liaison with the Minister for Disabled People.

Harriet Harman: There is no such thing as an average working week.
	As with any Minister who has a broad portfolio I prioritise my work accordingly.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum: Christianity

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what methods are used to verify claims by asylum seekers that they are Christian.

Jacqui Smith: All asylum applications, including those which are based either in part or wholly on the applicant being a Christian, are considered very carefully on their individual merits and with regard to objective country specific information. The primary method of gathering and testing the information which forms the basis of a person's asylum application is the asylum interview conducted by a case owner. Case owners, who also take initial asylum decisions, receive detailed training and instructions on all aspects of the asylum process including interviewing and assessing claims which are based on religious or other grounds. Refused applicants have access to an independent appeal process.

Crime: Foreigners

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) foreign nationals and  (b) asylum seekers jailed for major criminal offences are in immigration and removal centres (IRCs); how long each has been in an IRC; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested can be obtained through the detailed examination of individual case files only at a disproportionate cost. The Chief Executive of the Border and Immigration Agency wrote a letter to the Home Affairs Committee on 20 November in which she gave the most accurate and robust information available on foreign national prisoners. A copy of this letter is available in the House Library.

Crimes of Violence

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in her Department have had with the Metropolitan police on proposals for police officers to meet identified gang members to discuss levels of gang- related violence; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office is working closely with the Metropolitan police and local partners in the Five Borough Alliance who are taking forward a range of action as part of the Tackling Gangs Action Programme.
	This work may include a pilot informed, among other elements, by an operating model established in Boston, under which members of a local community, supported by the police and local authorities, are given the opportunity to make it clear to gang members that violence will not be tolerated. This is then backed up by support for those wishing to exit gangs, and robust enforcement should any further violence occur. In Boston the model took some 18 months to put together, and it is considered critical that all the relevant elements are fully in place before the London model is launched, in order to ensure its effectiveness.
	The London Guns, Gangs and Weapons Reduction Board will be developing this model in partnership with the community.

Crimes of Violence

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to support parents in challenging the behaviour of their children who are gang members or at risk of becoming gang members; and how much her Department has committed to such initiatives in the last 12 months.

Vernon Coaker: We are working closely with the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) on the roll-out of the accelerated extended schools programme, which includes work on supporting parents in a number of areas, including schools in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool, where the Tackling Gangs Action Programme is operating.
	We are also developing guidance for parents and young people to provide advice on gang-related issues, and we are working with DCSF on guidance for schools.
	In addition, through the Connected Fund, we support community groups which work with young people at risk of involvement in gangs and criminal activity. The fund was set up in May 2004 and provides small grants to local community groups working on tackling gun and knife crime and gangs issues. A number of the projects supported by the fund provide support to parents and young people who are at risk of gang membership. Under round six of the Connected Fund we awarded £500,000 to 100 community groups.

Deportation: Iran

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will reconsider her policy of returning individuals to Iran.

Jacqui Smith: The Border and Immigration Agency only enforces the return of Iranian nationals where we are satisfied they are not in need of protection in accordance with our obligations under the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Domestic Violence

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many community domestic violence programmes there are for the treatment of violent women;
	(2)  how many community domestic violence programmes have been implemented nationally;
	(3)  how many integrated domestic violence abuse programmes there are for the treatment of violent women;
	(4)  how many integrated domestic violence abuse programmes have been implemented nationally.

David Hanson: I have been asked to reply.
	There are two domestic violence programmes that have been accredited for use with offenders in the community: the Community Domestic Violence programme (CDVP) (available in eight probation areas) and the Integrated Domestic Abuse programme (IDAP) (available in 34 probation areas). Both programmes are for male offenders only. Women may attend the accredited community programme aggression replacement training (ART), which is a mixed gender programme aimed at violent offenders or they may take part in individual work.

Domestic Violence: Counselling

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many accredited independent domestic violence advisers are male.

Vernon Coaker: The organisation Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) has developed and delivers the accredited training for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs). CAADA have informed the Home Office that three men have received the accredited training.

Domestic Violence: Counselling

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many independent domestic violence advisers have been trained and accredited; and who trained them.

Vernon Coaker: Accredited advocacy training for Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) is carried out by the organisation Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA). The Home Office has funded places on this training course for IDVAs working in services supporting the 64 Specialist Domestic Violence Courts.
	Up until August 2007, CAADA had trained a total of 111 Home Office-funded advocates (both IDVAs and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors), with a further 94 places funded for the remainder of 2007-08.

Human Trafficking

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will list each legislative measure the UK needs to take to ensure it is ready to ratify the European Convention on Action against trafficking in Human Beings; and how many of those measures are contained in the Bills scheduled for the 2007-08 Session.

Vernon Coaker: We judge that domestic legislation is already largely compliant with the Convention. Victims of trafficking can already be identified, supported and where appropriate, may be issued with limited or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. But to ratify the Convention some legislative changes will be necessary. The detail of these is still subject to discussion within government but we will ratify the Convention as soon as we can.

Human Trafficking

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which requirements of the European Convention against Trafficking in Human Beings require amendments to UK  (a) primary and  (b) secondary legislation; when the Government plans to bring forward such amendments; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 29 November 2007
	We consider existing domestic legislation to be largely compliant with the Convention. Victims of trafficking are already being identified, supported and where appropriate may be issued with limited or indefinite leave to remain in the UK. However, we have identified a need for limited amendments to legislation and procedures, including the mechanisms for the support of victims of trafficking. The detail of the legislative changes required is still subject to discussion within government but we will ratify the Convention as soon as we can.

Sexual Offences: Children

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken by her Department to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Vernon Coaker: On 13 June 2007 we published the Review of the Protection of Children from Sex Offenders. This contains a number of actions which will enhance child protection, including by improving the management of sex offenders in the community.
	On 27 November 2006 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of Ireland on the exchange of information on convicted sex offenders travelling between the two countries.
	We established the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre in April last year, and provided it with a budget of over £4 million this year. We have introduced a range of new offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which protect children from sexual exploitation. These include: paying for the sexual services of a child; causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography; arranging or facilitating child prostitution or pornography; and controlling a child prostitute. All of these offences have a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.
	In January 2006 we published a Co-ordinated Prostitution Strategy, which includes specific measures to prevent child sexual exploitation, and to support and protect those who have been sexually exploited. The strategy includes a commitment to update guidance on safeguarding children who have been sexually exploited, which will also encourage effective investigation and prosecution of criminal activities by those who coerce or abuse children in this way.
	In October 2006 the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre was established. Its role is to co-ordinate and provide expertise in developing a multi-agency response to human trafficking, including the trafficking of children for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
	On 23 March 2007 the Home Office published the UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking, which includes a chapter specifically addressing the trafficking of children. On the same day the Home Secretary signed the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.
	On 3 October 2007 the Home Secretary launched Operation Pentameter 2. This is a UK-wide police operation which aims to rescue and protect victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, and to identify, disrupt, arrest and bring to justice those involved in criminal activity.

Tackling Gangs Action Programme

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the membership of the Tackling Gangs Action Programme is; and what terms of reference have been given to the unit.

Vernon Coaker: Deputy chief constable Jon Murphy (seconded from the Association of Chief Police Officers) leads the Tackling Gangs Action Programme team.
	There are full-time members of the team from the following organisations:
	Home Office (nine people),
	Serious Organised Crime Agency,
	HM Revenue and Customs (two people),
	Merseyside Police,
	Government Office for London,
	Department for Communities and Local Government.
	There are part-time members from the following organisations:
	Liverpool City Council,
	Manchester City Council,
	Birmingham City Council,
	Government Office for London
	Government Office for the North West,
	Department for Children, Schools and Families,
	Office for Criminal Justice Reform,
	Prime Minister's Strategy Unit.
	The terms of reference for the programme are as follows:
	1. The Tackling Gangs Action Programme (TGAP) has been set up to build on existing work to reduce serious violence, particularly the use of firearms, perpetrated by young people as part of gang-related activity;
	£1 million funding for short-term operations and initiatives in the four cities chosen as a focus (Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham and London);
	Build a coherent picture of the wide range of activity in this field and use this to:
	produce a best practice guide to inform local delivery, and
	inform national policy making across Government;
	Produce an agreed action plan that will improve multi-agency work to address the supply and importation of illegal firearms; and
	Put in place arrangements to ensure that momentum and cross-Government oversight are maintained following the dissolution of the team, through the implementation and monitoring of national strategies.
	2. The programme's scope is primarily the use of firearms to commit violent crime by young people as part of gang-related activity, specifically within the four cities. Knife and other violent crime will not be considered other than where it involves gang activities in the four areas. Gangs in this context should be interpreted as street gangs, not peer groups or organised crime networks.
	3. The programme will be delivered in partnership with colleagues in the Home Office Violent Crime Unit and a range of stakeholders. The programme will not address issues outside of its scope. However, it may flag up important issues outside its remit to the sponsoring board member, Moira Wallace (Director General, Crime Reduction and Community Safety), who may then ask the relevant business area to consider them.
	4. The programme will report to the sponsoring board member, Moira Wallace, and the senior responsible officer, Vanessa Nicholls (Director, Crime and Drugs Strategy), weekly.
	5. The Home Secretary will report to the Prime Minister on the progress of the programme, copied to members of the ministerial task force.
	6. Decisions on the direction of the programme will be taken by the Home Secretary, Permanent Secretary and sponsoring board member (in that order). Contributions from interested parties will be treated as advice/recommendations.
	7. The programme leader, DCC Jon Murphy, is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the programme's objectives.
	8. The sponsoring board member, Moira Wallace, has overall responsibility for programme delivery.
	9. The violent crime unit, led by Simon King, has responsibility for ensuring that the programme team is aware of relevant ongoing activity on violent crime, and will work in close partnership with the programme team to ensure that the outcome of the programme's work is jointly owned. The violent crime unit remains responsible for the policy in this area.
	10. The programme leader, DCC Jon Murphy, and the head of violent crime unit, Simon King, will be jointly responsible for ensuring the integration of the team's work into the violent crime unit's ongoing work when the programme team is dissolved.
	11. The sponsoring board member is responsible for ensuring: that resources (including staff) are available for the programme team; that information is accessible; and that decisions are made when necessary.
	12. The Permanent Secretary has authorised the deployment of the priority support team (PST) to work on the programme. The PST's role should be jointly agreed by the programme leader and the head of the delivery unit.

DEFENCE

Armed Forces: Deployment

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many UK personnel were deployed on operations at the most recent date for which figures are available, broken down by location.

Bob Ainsworth: The number of UK personnel deployed on operations by location at 19 November 2007 is shown in the following table. The number of UK service personnel deployed on operations fluctuates on a daily basis for a number of reasons including: leave (rest and recuperation); temporary absence from theatre for training; evacuation from theatre for medical reasons; or the roulement of forces.
	
		
			  Number of personnel deployed by location( 1) 
			  Location  Number 
			  O f which:  
			 Afghanistan 7,470 
			 Iraq 4,910 
			 At sea 790 
			 Qatar 410 
			 Cyprus 290 
			 Kuwait 270 
			 Oman 250 
			 Kosovo 140 
			 Bahrain 60 
			 Bosnia 20 
			 Other 50 
			 Total 14,670 
			 (1 )Countries with 10 or more personnel are shown separately. Other countries with fewer than 10 personnel per country include Georgia, Nepal, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia.

Australia: Peacekeeping Operations

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on the UK's defence policy of the Australian Prime Minister's stated intention to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq.

Des Browne: The Australian Government gave an election commitment to withdraw combat forces from Iraq and to consult with the Iraqi, US, and UK Governments. There is no reason why withdrawal of such forces will have an effect on the UK's defence policy.

Departmental Cost Effectiveness

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's head office streamlining consultation document.

Des Browne: Yes. A copy of the head office streamlining consultation document has been placed in the Library of the House.

Iraq

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Prime Minister's statement of 8 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 21-25, on Iraq, what progress has been made in relocating the 500 logistics personnel; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: Although the exact number of personnel in the regional support facility will fluctuate daily, there are now around 500 posts established. The vast majority of these are logistics posts, with the rest a combination of helicopter crew and support, medics and permanent staff. Work continues to develop the facility to meet our operational requirements.

Iraq: Detainees

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any individuals captured by British forces during the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have at any subsequent time been held at the United States detention facility at Guantánamo Bay.

Des Browne: holding answer 28 November 2007
	When we transfer captured individuals into the custody of the United States and the Iraqi authorities in Iraq, and into the custody of the Afghan authorities in Afghanistan, we have an understanding with the relevant Government that the transferred individual cannot be removed from the country without our agreement. We have at no time given our consent for any individual to be transferred to the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) in-service and  (b) out-of-service dates are of all helicopters in service with the (i) Army, (ii) Navy and (iii) Royal Air Force.

Bob Ainsworth: The current in-service dates (ISDs) and the current planning assumptions for out-of-service dates (OSDs) for all military helicopters are listed as follows:
	
		
			   ISDs  Current planned OSDs 
			  Army   
			 Agusta 109A 1983 2009 
			 Agusta 109AM 1984 2009 
			 Apache AH Mkl 2001 2030 
			 Gazelle AH1 1973 2018 
			 Lynx Mk 7 1988 2013 
			 Lynx Mk 9 1991 2013 
			
			  Royal Navy   
			 Lynx Mk3 1986 2013 
			 Lynx Mk8 1994 2015 
			 Merlin Mkl 1999 2029 
			 Sea King Mk4 1979 2012 
			 Sea King Mk5 1980 2017 
			 Sea King Mk6(CR) 2004 2008 
			 Sea King Mk7 2002 2018 
			
			  Royal Air Force   
			 Chinook Mk2 1993 2015 
			 Chinook Mk2a 1999 2025 
			 Merlin Mk3 2000 2030 
			 Puma HCl 1971 2012 
			 Sea King Mk3 1978 2017 
			 Sea King Mk3a 1996 2017 
		
	
	The table does not include the commercially owned helicopters that the Department leases on contract.

Territorial Army: Manpower

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 901W, on Territorial Army: manpower, what records of the components of the Territorial Army liability figures are maintained by his Department, with particular reference to the numbers of liable former  (a) lieutenants and  (b) second lieutenants; and how many of the strength figure are (i) officer training corps and (ii) privates.

Bob Ainsworth: On discharge or retirement there is no reserve liability for members of the Territorial Army, but a Territorial Army officer may volunteer to become a member of the Regular Reserve. The reserve liability for volunteers is recorded on their individual service record which is held on the Joint Personnel Administration system.
	Pursuant to my answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 901W; the strengths of the Officer Training Corps and Territorial Army private soldiers as at 1 March 2007 were 5,060 and 19,060 respectively.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Departmental Data Protection

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport 
	(1)  what mechanisms his Department has in place to ensure that databases containing personal information on members of the general public are not accessed  (a) by unauthorised staff and  (b) by authorised staff for unauthorised purposes;
	(2)  how many staff of each grade in his Department have access to electronic databases which contain personal information on members of the general public;
	(3)  what steps his Department has taken to protect the personal data on members of the public which it holds.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Pay

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department and its agencies spent on end-of-year bonus payments in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport pays end of year bonus payments as part of our performance pay system. Information relating to bonus payments in the last five years is contained in the table. The final figures for 2006-07 are not yet available. Our agency, the Royal Parks does not pay end of year bonus payments.
	
		
			  Total value of performance bonuses 
			   £ 
			 2001-02 50,576 
			 2002-03 106,128 
			 2003-04 164,603 
			 2004-05 177,104 
			 2005-06 239,805

Football: Teachers

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many qualified football coaches are active in  (a) boys and  (b) girls football in each UK region.

Gerry Sutcliffe: We do not hold this information. However, I can confirm that DCMS and Sport England are currently funding nearly 250 football Community Sports Coach (CSC) posts, broken down by region as follows:
	
		
			  Region  Number of football CSCs 
			 East 35 
			 East Midlands 4 
			 London 80 
			 North East 7 
			 North West 23 
			 South East 19 
			 South West 33 
			 West Midlands 28 
			 Yorkshire 9 
			 Total 238 
		
	
	The Football Association are responsible for the training and development of their coaches. They advise that almost 147,000 people have passed coach education courses in levels 1, 2 and 3 since 2004, many of whom will be active either as paid or volunteer coaches.

Leisure

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate his Department has made of the number of people who regularly undertook  (a) recreational walking,  (b) recreational cycling and  (c) yoga in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: This level of detail on participation in these sports is not available. However, the following data are available.
	The General Household Survey collected sport and physical activity participation data in 2002 for adults aged 16 and over. The survey measured "activity in at least one sport, game or physical activity in the four weeks before interview".
	
		
			   Percentage  Population (number) 
			 Recreational Walking 34.9 13,690,431 
			 Recreational Cycling 9.0 3,530,484 
		
	
	There was no equivalent figure for yoga in 2002 as it was combined with other keep fit activities.
	Since 2005, the DCMS Taking Part survey has collected sport and physical activity participation data for adults aged 16 and over.
	The definition of 'regularly' in this case is at least one occasion in the four weeks before interview. The data relate to all adults in 2005-06. Population figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand. The Taking Part survey did not disaggregate recreational cycling from other forms of cycling. Therefore the following figures are for all forms of cycling.
	
		
			   Percentage  Population (number) 
			 Walking (health, recreation or rambling) 52.4 20,792,000 
			 Cycling (health, recreation, training or competition) 9.7 3,861,000 
			 Yoga 2.5 1,006,000

Newspaper Press: Complaints

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will bring forward proposals to establish a body to investigate complaints about the press with the power  (a) of subpoena and  (b) to make a binding ruling where facts are in dispute; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Government strongly support freedom of speech and a free press. It is therefore appropriate that there should be a system of self-regulation. We are generally satisfied that the Press Complaints Commission's code of practice is both adequate and appropriate for its purpose. We therefore have no intention of bringing forward any new proposals.

Overseas Visitors

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many visitors came to the UK from  (a) China,  (b) India,  (c) America,  (d) Australia and  (e) Europe in each of the last five years.

Margaret Hodge: The information requested is contained in the table.
	
		
			  Number of visits to the UK by overseas residents 2002-06 
			  Visits ( Thousand ) 
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 China (incl. Hong Kong) 261 237 284 277 296 
			 India 205 199 255 272 367 
			 America 4,511 4,244 4,585 4,491 5,061 
			  O f which:  
			 Canada 660 652 740 796 868 
			 USA 3,611 3,346 3,616 3,438 3,896 
			 Mexico 71 76 67 78 88 
			  O f which:  
			 Other Central and South America 169 170 162 179 209 
			 Australia 702 723 787 919 956 
			 Europe 16,217 17,207 19,424 21,565 23,377 
			  Source:  International Passenger Survey (ONS)

Postal Services

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many items of post sent by his Department were reported missing by the intended recipient in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Sports: School Leavers

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 550-1W, on sports: school leavers, what percentage of people aged  (a) 11 to 15,  (b) 16,  (c) 17 to 18 and  (d) 19 years and over participated in sport in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: This level of detail on sports participation is not available.
	Before 2005, the general household survey collected sport participation data in 2002 for adults aged 16 and over.
	The survey measured "activity in at least one sport, game or physical activity in the four weeks before interview".
	
		
			  Age  2002  percentage 
			 16-19 72 
			 All adults (16+) 43 
		
	
	Since 2005, the DCMS Taking Part survey has collected sport participation data broken down by age, from 11 and over.
	The previous answer of 19 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 550-51W, contains participation data for the age groups in question, collected in 2005-6.

Union Flag

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the comments of the Minister of State on 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 121, on the Union Flag, when the Government plan to make a decision on the re-design of the Union Flag under consideration.

Margaret Hodge: The Government are currently reviewing the rules on flying the Union Flag on Government buildings. As part of that review, a public consultation has been carried out and there have been some comments on the design of the flag along with a number of other points that were outside the scope of the consultation.
	All views will be considered as part of the consultation although there are no plans to change the design at present.

Visits Abroad

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much his Department spent on overnight accommodation for Ministers overseas in the last year.

Margaret Hodge: Details of the cost of overseas travel, including the cost of travel and accommodation are contained in the Overseas Travel by Cabinet Ministers list. The latest list for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 was published on 25 July 2007. Details for the 2007-08 financial year will be published as soon as possible after the end of the financial year. All travel is made in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Young People

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff aged between 16 and 18 were employed by his Department  (a) directly and  (b) through an employment agency in each of the last 10 years; what proportion of these were given time off work to undertake some form of training; and what proportion were provided with some form of training (i) wholly and (ii) partially funded by his Department.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has employed only one person aged between 16 and 18 years of age during the last 10 years. During that person's employment they received 8.5 days training which was fully funded by the Department. No information is held on the age of staff employed through employment agencies.

TRANSPORT

Chiltern Railways: Greater London

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether  (a) Transport for London and  (b) the Mayor of London's office made any approach to her to take responsibility for the routes into Marylebone operated by Chiltern Railways; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: There are no records of an approach by either  (a) Transport for London or  (b) the Mayor of London's office requesting a change in responsibilities for Chiltern Railways routes into London Marylebone.

Crossrail Line: Finance

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which businesses she expects to contribute more than  (a) £1 million,  (b) £2 million,  (c) £5 million,  (d) £10 million,  (e) £50 million and  (f) £100 million towards Crossrail, broken down by (i) direct contributions and (ii) contributions through the supplementary business rate.

Tom Harris: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by the Secretary of State on 26 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 4-5WS. Contributions raised from any Crossrail-related supplementary business rate are a matter for the Mayor of London.

Crossrail Line: Finance

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial contribution BAA is making to Crossrail.

Tom Harris: I refer the hon. Member to the written statement made by the Secretary of State on 26 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 4-5WS. Discussions with BAA on the size of its contribution to Crossrail are ongoing.

Departmental Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff in her Department  (a) were disciplined and  (b) had their employment terminated as a result of a poor sickness record in each of the last five years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The number of staff in the Department who were disciplined or dismissed for poor sick record is shown in the following table. However, the number disciplined excludes GCDA and DfT(C) because the Department does not routinely collate disciplinary information in the format requested and this could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Number 
			   Staff disciplined for sick record  Staff dismissed for poor sick record 
			 2003 108 10 
			 2004 153 7 
			 2005 156 45 
			 2006 176 70 
			 2007 111 40

East Coast Railway Line: Repairs and Maintenance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable for improvements to the East Coast mainline has been agreed as part of the new franchise.

Tom Harris: The new franchise, awarded to National Express Group, will commence on 9 December this year. The timetable that it will inherit from that date will be the same as that currently operating with two additional Sunday services.
	Provision has been made within the franchise for National Express East Coast to run additional services to reflect the emerging recommendations from Network Rail's East Coast Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy (RUS). The anticipated date for implementing the RUS recommendations is expected to be December 2010.

M6

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Written Statement of 25 October 2007,  Official Report, column 20WS, on active traffic management, what factors determine the length of time for completion of the improvement of the M6 around Birmingham and the M6 Toll; and if she will make an assessment of the feasibility of completing the scheme before summer 2011.

Tom Harris: The main construction phase of the scheme announced on 25 October to implement the Active Traffic Management (ATM) techniques on the motorway box around Birmingham (parts of the M6, M40 and M42) is due to start next summer and complete in summer 2011. An invitation for expressions of interest from contractors was published shortly after the announcement of the scheme, allowing for tenders in the spring. The anticipated schedule to completion reflects knowledge and experience gained from the delivery of the M42 ATM scheme, including the identification of potential efficiencies. Appropriate contractual incentives will be put in place to support effective delivery.

Motor Vehicles: Licensing

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much revenue was raised through fines issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency due to the failure of registered keepers of cars to notify them of changes in car ownership in each of the last three years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Revenue collected through fines issued for failure to notify disposal or acquisition of a vehicle is as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2004-05 1.1 
			 2005-06 1.1 
			 2006-07 0.9 
		
	
	Revenue collected includes fine income, court costs recovered and out of court settlements.

Public Transport: Innovation

Robert Goodwill: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make an assessment of the use of upright electric personal transporters in other countries.

Jim Fitzpatrick: No. The Department has however invited the company marketing such machines to share with us any research carried out into the use of these vehicles.

Railway Network: Greater London

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she plans to transfer the running of any of the current rail franchises to Transport for London or the Mayor of London; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: The Secretary of State has no plans to transfer the running of current franchises to Transport for London (TfL). The Department for Transport has been in discussion with TfL regarding issues that they would like to see addressed in the London part of the South Central franchise replacement process.

Railways: Tickets

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what charges were levied on outlets currently acting as retailers for rail tickets, excluding online and telesales services and those located on railway station premises in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many outlets act as retailers for rail tickets, excluding online and telesales services and those located on railway station premises.

Tom Harris: The Department for Transport does not hold this information as the retailers in question operate under licence issued by the Association of Train Operating Companies.

Renewable Transport Fuels

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the Government's renewable transport fuels obligation will come from exported sources by 2010; and what estimate she has made of the percentage of these fuels which will come from sustainable sources.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The renewable transport fuel obligation (RTFO) will create a demand for some 2.5 billion litres per annum of biofuel by 2010-11. This demand is likely to be met through a mixture of domestically produced and imported biofuels. The Government do not have a precise estimate of the likely split between the two. In theory, and provided a number of large UK biofuel production plants which are currently at the planning stage come on stream by 2010, UK farmers and producers could produce enough biofuel to meet this demand in full. Whether or not they do depends on a wide range of factors including the relative costs of UK-produced and imported biofuels.
	From day one of the RTFO in April 2008, transport fuel suppliers will be required to report on the sustainability of their biofuels in order to earn any certificates in respect of them. This will create an incentive for suppliers to source only those biofuels which deliver genuine environmental benefits.

Roads: Accidents

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic  (a) accidents and  (b) fatalities there have been on the A14 in Suffolk in each year since 1997.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of reported personal injury road accidents and fatalities on the A14 in Suffolk , 1997 to  2006 
			   (a) Accidents  (b) Fatalities 
			 1997 128 7 
			 1998 123 2 
			 1999 122 8 
			 2000 138 8 
			 2001 138 10 
			 2002 157 5 
			 2003 128 3 
			 2004 143 5 
			 2005 150 4 
			 2006 119 6

Roads: Accidents

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic  (a) accidents and  (b) fatalities there have been on the A143 in (i) Suffolk and (ii) Great Barton; and how many involved drivers under the age of 21 years in each category since 1997.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested is given in the following tables:
	
		
			  Number of reported personal injury road accidents and resulting fatalities on the A143 in Suffolk, 1997 to 2006 
			   All accidents  Accidents involving drivers/riders aged under 21 years 
			   Number of accidents  Resulting fatalities  Number of accidents  Resulting fatalities 
			 1997 71 3 21 1 
			 1998 62 1 16 0 
			 1999 71 6 16 2 
			 2000 59 1 15 0 
			 2001 61 2 22 0 
			 2002 83 0 18 0 
			 2003 72 1 15 0 
			 2004 70 0 14 0 
			 2005 82 1 16 0 
			 2006 68 1 14 0 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of reported personal injury road accidents and resulting fatalities on the A143 in Great Barton( 1) , 1997 to 2006 
			   All accidents  Accidents involving drivers/riders aged under 21 years 
			   Number of accidents  Resulting fatalities  Number of accidents  Resulting fatalities 
			 1997 2 0 2 0 
			 1998 2 0 1 0 
			 1999 1 0 1 0 
			 2000 2 0 0 0 
			 2001 1 0 1 0 
			 2002 2 0 2 0 
			 2003 3 0 1 0 
			 2004 0 0 0 0 
			 2005 4 0 0 0 
			 2006 3 0 0 0 
			 1 Between junction with Fornham road and the junction with Mill road (B1106)

Transport: Finance

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how much was spent on transport in each of the UK regions in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how much was budgeted for transport in each of the UK regions in each of the last five years;
	(3)  how much was budgeted for major transport developments in each of the UK regions in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: An analysis of identifiable UK current and capital expenditure on transport by country and region from 2001-02 to 2006-07 is published in Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2007, Cm 7091, in tables 9.5a to 9.10b. The information is also available electronically on the Treasury website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk
	The Department's planned and outturn identifiable expenditure on services by country and region (excluding spending by local government) is shown in the Department's successive annual reports, analysed according to the country or region for whose benefit the expenditure has been, or is expected to be, incurred. The most recent is in table A7 of the annual report 2007, Cm 7095. The information is also available electronically on the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk

Travel

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the likely change in the number of journeys made by  (a) car,  (b) train,  (c) bus and  (d) aircraft in each of the next 10 years.

Rosie Winterton: Recent road traffic forecasts by the Department are available at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/roadpricing/research trafficcongestion
	Rail forecasts were published alongside the White Paper, Delivering a Sustainable Railway, at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/white papercm7176/
	A range of documents are available specifically about the forecasts at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers/white papercm7176/railwhitepaperresearch
	The latest departmental aviation forecasts are available at:
	http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/aviation/environmentalissues/ukair demandandco2forecasts

Travel: Concessions

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what recent discussions she has had with the Department for Communities and Local Government on the funding of the nationwide pensioner travel concessionary scheme in 2008; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate she has made of the cost to local authorities of introducing the nationwide pensioner concessionary travel scheme in 2008.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 29 November 2007
	From 1 April 2008, people aged 60 and over and eligible disabled people in England will be entitled to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England, not just within their local area as at present.
	There have been various discussions between Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport, both at official and ministerial level. The Government are providing local authorities in England an extra £212 million/£217 million/£223 million for the next three years. This extra funding is based on generous assumptions about the probable cost impact of the new concession, including visitor 'hot spots'. We are confident this funding will be sufficient in aggregate.
	The existing funding for concessionary fares is, and will continue to be, distributed by the Department for Communities and Local Government via the formula grant system. There was no significant support among local government to extract the existing funding for statutory concessions from the formula grant system.
	The extra funding for the national bus concession will be distributed by the Department for Transport via a special grant. The decision to use a special grant reflects both the views of local government and the challenges of deriving a formula distribution that matches the probable cost impact of the new concession, taking into account popular tourist resorts and large transport hubs. We anticipate transferring this additional funding into the formula grant process at the beginning of the next three-year settlement period (2011-12).
	The Department for Transport's consultation on the formula basis for the distribution of the special grant closed on 23 November. A provisional view on the distribution will be made in due course and will be finalised by a parliamentary debate in the new year.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Council Tax Benefit

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking to increase the take-up rate of council tax benefit.

James Plaskitt: I been asked to reply.
	Council tax benefit (CTB) take-up is lowest among pensioners and they are therefore our priority. One phone call to the Pension Service can give customers access to four benefits—pension credit, state retirement pension, CTB and housing benefit (HB). A simple claim form for HB/CTB is completed for the customer. All they need to do is check it, sign it and send it back.
	We are taking other measures to promote the take-up of CTB. There are annual awareness campaigns. We have provided local authorities with best practice guidance that contains information about barriers to claiming, ways of overcoming them, and case study examples of good practice to improve take-up. We have supported the simple claim form arrangements with computer scans run by the Pension Service to discover people getting pension credit but not CTB and this information is passed to local authorities. We encourage local authorities to do take-up activity through our performance standards and have awarded £2.2 million to 38 authorities to increase CTB take-up.
	In the longer term, we want to deliver CTB as accessibly, simply and securely as possible. We want to research the feasibility of using data held "across Government" to build profiles of people likely to be entitled. We also want to develop the concept of a "single point of contact" for pensioners, coupled with alignment of application processes that will provide greater efficiency and a better public service.

Anti-Semitism

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will bring forward proposals to treat anti-Semitic crimes as distinct from other crimes of racial hatred; what recent representations she has received on this matter; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: I have been asked to reply.
	The Government's work on hate crime seeks to address all forms of hate crime, whether it be on anti-Semitic grounds, on other racial or religious grounds, or on the grounds of sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. However, one of our priorities is to understand better the nature and extent of all hate crimes, and to this end we are currently in the process of changing the way we collect data on hate crime: from April 2007 we have asked the police to flag information about hate crimes, which should help us develop a more detailed picture.
	We have also set up a cross-Government working group to develop our response to the All Party Parliamentary Inquiry Into Anti-Semitism.

Business Premises: Fire Extinguishers

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what consideration her Department has given to the merits of making sprinkler systems compulsory in new large business premises.

Parmjit Dhanda: The recent review of the fire safety aspects in Part B of the Building Regulations considered fire safety in all types of premises and the important role that sprinklers and other types of fire protection measures may have. A number of changes were made, following extensive research and full public consultation. These changes came into force in April this year and were supported by a Regulatory Impact Assessment setting out the costs and benefits of the changes.
	For a number of years, sprinklers have been asked for in a range of situations under the Building Regulations, such as the majority of tall (30 m+) buildings and buildings with large compartments (e.g. shops with a compartment over 2,000 m(2)). The amended Part B gives greater recognition to the role of sprinklers for life safety and the accompanying guidance has been expanded, where justified, to include their use in a wider range of situations. These include in tall (30 m+) blocks of flats, certain care homes and in large single-storey storage buildings.
	In addition, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to both new and existing non-domestic buildings, requires that the responsible person for a premises carry out a risk assessment and take necessary fire precautions to ensure the safety of the occupants of the building. This could include the provision of sprinklers, where it is justified by the risk. It is also open for property owners and their insurers to consider the benefits of sprinklers for property protection and business continuity.

Community Development

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Government's timetable is for implementing the recommendations of the Quirk Review.

John Healey: holding answer 29 November 2007
	In May 2007, the Government accepted the recommendations of the Quirk Review and published "Opening the Transfer window: the Government's response to the Quirk Review of community management and ownership of public assets". This details specific actions to be taken with partners to take forward the implementation of the Review, and specifies a timetable to 2009. It also commits Communities and Local Government to a review in 2008, to consider what further action should be taken in the light of progress made.

Contracts

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many invitations to tender her Department has issued in the last 12 months; and for what purpose in each case.

Parmjit Dhanda: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Council Housing: Waiting Lists

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people were on council housing waiting lists in each  (a) district/unitary housing authority and  (b) region in England in each of the last five years.

Iain Wright: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 13 November 2007,  Official Report, column 116W, to my right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, West and Royton (Mr. Meacher).

Delivery Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which companies are under contract to her Department to provide mail services.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South-West Norfolk (Mr. Fraser), on 21 March 2007,  Official Report, column 986W.

Departmental Computers

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of her Department's  (a) computers and  (b) laptops have been stolen in 2007; and what the value of those items was.

Parmjit Dhanda: 11 laptops, valued at approximately £800 each, were recorded as stolen in separate incidents in 2007. All laptop hard disks were encrypted to CESG standards, access to which would require extremely sophisticated and expensive equipment not available to the general public. Two desktop computers were recovered after being taken off site without permission in 2007. This was not a malicious act; it was not classed as theft.

Departmental Land

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what land surplus to her Department's requirements it is  (a) selling,  (b) leasing and  (c) intending to (i) sell and (ii) lease; and what the size and name of each relevant site is.

Parmjit Dhanda: Communities and Local Government does not have any surplus land it is selling or leasing and neither does it have any surplus land it is intending to sell or lease.
	This response does not include land held by Government offices, who carry out functions on behalf of 10 Government Departments or other sponsored bodies.

Departmental Official Hospitality

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what entertainment or hospitality members of the Department's management board received in each of the last three financial years; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: Paragraph 4.3.5 of the Civil Service Management Code sets out the rules on the registration of hospitality. The Government are committed to publishing an annual list of hospitality received by members of departmental boards. The first list for 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the current calendar year.

Departmental Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has been spent by her Department on advertising in the last 12 months.

Parmjit Dhanda: Figures for advertising and marketing campaigns in the financial year 2006-07 were published in the Department's Annual Report on 17 May 2007, which is available in the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Sick Leave

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many staff in her Department  (a) were disciplined and  (b) had their employment terminated as a result of a poor sickness record in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The central part of the Department for Communities and Local Government took no formal disciplinary action nor dismissed anyone as a result of poor sick records in the last five years to March 2007. Most sickness absence cases are managed informally by managers. This reply does not cover the Government offices or the Department's agencies.

Departmental Sustainable Development

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department is on course to meet the commitment in the sustainable operations on the Government estate targets  (a) to source at least 10 per cent. of its electricity from renewables by 31 March 2008 and  (b) to increase recycling figures to 40 per cent. of waste by 2010.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Communities and Local Government has already exceeded both of these targets.
	In 2006-07, the Department's HQ estate and its Executive agencies sourced 92 per cent. and 52 per cent. of their electricity from renewables respectively. This target is met by procuring renewable 'green tariff' electricity.
	In the same year, the Department's HQ estate and Executive agencies recycled 57 per cent. and 56 per cent. of their waste, respectively.
	 Note:
	These figures do not include the regional Government offices or the selected non-departmental public bodies that contribute to the Department's performance against these targets.

Departmental Sustainable Development

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department has adopted the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management programme.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Communities and Local Government signed up to the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme in May 2006. The Department and its Executive agencies are in the process of implementing various recommendations identified through the programme.

Departmental Sustainable Development

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department met the target in the sustainable operations on the Government estate review to reverse the then upward trend in carbon dioxide emissions by April 2007.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Communities and Local Government's HQ estate has not met the target to reverse the upward trend in reported carbon emissions from offices by April 2007. Our office-based Executive agencies have met the target.

Departmental Sustainable Development

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department is working towards an accredited certified environmental management system for its whole estate or some of its buildings.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Communities and Local Government already has an ISO14001 accredited certified environmental management system which covers its main headquarter buildings, one of its Executive agencies and Government office for London's building. The remaining organisations that contribute to the Department's sustainable operations performance are working towards accredited certified systems.

Development Plans: Public Participation

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local authorities' area action plans have been deemed  (a) sound and  (b) unsound by planning inspectors after public examination.

Iain Wright: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The following local authorities have:
	
		
			  (a) Had Area Action Plans found Sound (Approved) 
			  Local authority  Title 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Cambridge Southern Fringe AAP 
			 South Cambridgeshire DC Northstowe AAP 
			 Newcastle Upon Tyne Council Walker Riverside Area Action Plan DPD 
			 Portsmouth Council Southsea Town Centre Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council Millbay/Stonehouse Area Action Plan 
			 Plymouth Council North Plymstock (including Minerals) AAP 
			 Plymouth Council Devonport Area Action Plan 
			 South Hams DC Sherford New Community Area Action Plan 
			 Staffordshire Moorlands DC AAP Biddulph Town Centre 
			   
			 Total 9 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Had Area Action Plans found Unsound (Refused) 
			  Local  a uthority  Title 
			 Restormel BC Newquay AAP 
			   
			 Total 1

Emergency Calls: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average time taken to respond to an emergency telephone call by the fire brigade was in Suffolk for each of the past five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The following table shows the average response times taken by the fire and rescue services in Suffolk between 2001 and 2005, the most recent calendar year for which data are available. The table shows the time from the initial call to attendance, and the time from mobilisation to attendance (i.e. the actual driving time).
	
		
			  Average response time (in minutes) to fires by brigade area and year of call, Suffolk, 2001 - 05( 1, 2, 3) 
			   First call to attendance  Mobilisation to attendance 
			 2001 8.8 7.7 
			 2002 9.0 7.8 
			 2003 9.3 8.2 
			 2004 9.0 8.0 
			 2005 9.5 8.3 
			 (1) Excluding late call and heat and smoke damage only incidents. (2) Excluding incidents not recorded during periods of industrial action in 2002 and 2003. (3) A small number of incidents with response time greater than an hour have been excluded so that results are not skewed by likely reporting errors.

Fires: Warwickshire

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will make a statement on the  (a) investigations carried out and  (b) lessons learned on the recent Warwickshire factory fire tragedy.

Parmjit Dhanda: As a result of the tragic events of 2 November at Atherstone on Stour in Warwickshire, three key investigations have been initiated. Firstly, the police are conducting an investigation in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Secondly, the fire and rescue service are examining the origin, causes and spread of the fire. Thirdly, there is currently a fire and rescue service accident investigation into the implications of the fire. The chief fire and rescue adviser, Sir Ken Knight, is in close contact with the ongoing investigations and is keeping me informed at all times. In addition to these investigations, there will be a coroner's inquest which, as part of its investigation, will examine the evidence submitted by the investigation teams. However, until the exact details are known, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the investigations in progress.

Green Belt

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans the existing versions of the regional spatial strategies have to review the green belt designations in each Government office region.

Iain Wright: The following summarises the proposals in the existing versions of the regional spatial strategies regarding the green belt in each Government office region:
	 North East— p roposed changes stage
	Policy 6.5 ensures that the green belt continues to safeguard the countryside from encroachment and check the unrestricted sprawl of Tyne and Wear.
	 North West— c urrently preparing proposed changes
	Policy RDF5, no need for any exceptional change to the Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and Lancashire green belts until 2011 and the Warrington green belt until 2021.
	 Yorkshire and Humber— p roposed changes published for consultation
	Policy YH9 confirms that the extent of the green belt in Yorkshire and Humber should not be changed, but that localised boundary reviews may be needed in order to deliver development in the most sustainable locations. Specific mention is made to defining the green belt around York and the potential need for strategic reviews in parts of West Yorkshire.
	 East Midlands— c urrently preparing proposed changes
	The EIP into the East Midlands Draft RSS closed on 19 July 2007 and the EIP Chair's Panel Report was published 28 November 2007. The Independent Panel Chair recommended a strategic review of the boundaries of the existing green belt to the north, east and south of Nottingham. Any future review of the green belt will be conducted in line with the process set out in PPG2.
	 West Midlands Phase 1— p roposed changes published and Phase 2 is due to be submitted in December 2007
	Phase 1 proposes no change to the extent of the existing green belt in the Black Country and Phase 2 is still being developed, so policies on the extent of the existing green belt have not yet been defined.
	 East of England— p roposed changes published for consultation
	Policy SS7, the broad extent of green belts in the East of England is appropriate, and will be maintained. However, strategic reviews of green belt boundaries are needed in the following areas to meet regional development needs at the most sustainable locations:
	Stevenage, involving land in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire;
	Kernel Hempstead, involving land in Dacorum and probably St. Albans district;
	Harlow, involving land in Harlow, East Hertfordshire and Epping Forest district; and
	Welwyn/Hatfield, involving land in Welwyn Hatfield district and potentially St. Albans district;
	Broxbourne.
	 South East— c urrently preparing proposed changes
	Policy CC10a, the existing green belts in the region will be retained and supported and the opportunity should be taken to improve their land-use management and access as part of initiatives to improve the urban rural fringe. If there are any cases for small scale local review, these can be pursued through the LDF process.
	 South West— a waiting panel report before beginning proposed changes process
	Policy 3.35, the extent of the green belt, is revised in policies SR3, SR11 and SR27 (Section 4), based on a strategic green belt review, to accommodate urban extensions required in the West of England in Cheltenham/Gloucester and South Dorset.
	 London
	There are currently no green belt reviews planned in the London region.

Housing Benefit: Peterborough

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on housing benefit in (a) Peterborough constituency and (b) Peterborough City Council area in each of the last 10 years.

James Plaskitt: I have been asked to reply
	Information on housing benefit expenditure is not available at constituency level.
	The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Housing benefit expenditure for Peterborough local authority district 
			   £ million 
			 1997-98 31.7 
			 1998-99 31.0 
			 1999-2000 31.2 
			 2000-01 31.6 
			 2001-02 32.0 
			 2002-03 33.3 
			 2003-04 32.7 
			 2004-05 32.3 
			 2005-06 36.7 
			 2006-07 40.0 
			  Notes: 1. Information sourced from local authority claims for housing revenue account subsidy and housing benefit subsidy. 2. Figures are rounded to the nearest £100,000. 3. Figures prior to 2006-07 are audited, but may change in future if local authorities' audited accounts are amended after a decision or appeal. Figures for recent years are more likely to be amended than older data. 4. 2006-07 figures are initial final (pre-audited) and are subject to change. 5. From 1999-2000 onwards, housing benefit expenditure on asylum seekers was funded by the National Asylum Support Service, and is therefore excluded from the figures presented at Great Britain. However, local authority level information includes all expenditure on these benefits relating to asylum seekers, as it is not possible to isolate at this level that part which applies to asylum seekers. 6. Figures relate to what local authorities spend on claimants, and include discretionary expenditure (mainly disregards of war pensions), and overpayments except where benefit has been granted in advance (where the benefit is paid in the form of a rebate).  Source: DWP Benefit expenditure tables 
		
	
	DWP housing benefit and council tax benefit expenditure tables are available online at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/HBandCTB_expenditure. asp

Housing: Expenditure

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on housing  (a) in 2007 prices and  (b) as a percentage of gross national product in each year since 1980; and what percentage of each year's total was spent on (i) owner-occupied housing, (ii) registered social landlord/housing corporation housing and (iii) council housing.

Angela Eagle: holding answer 15 November 2007
	I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, directed at the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. You requested the amount spent on housing (a) in 2007 prices and (b) as a percentage of gross national product in each year since 1980, and what percentage of each year's total was spent on (i) owned-occupied housing, (ii) registered social landlord/housing corporation housing and (iii) council housing.
	Table A shows investment in housing, defined by total dwellings (excluding land) as a percentage of total gross national income (formerly called gloss national product).
	Table B gives the percentage breakdown of total dwellings by the following three sectors:
	i) households and NPISH (Non Profit Institutions Serving Households)—investment on dwellings by the household sector and non profit institutions serving households (or the charity sector);
	ii) central government—investment on dwellings by the central government sector; and
	iii) public non-financial corporations—broadly representing investment on dwellings by local authorities via the Housing Revenue Account.
	These provide the nearest definitions available to the breakdown requested. Information is not available for registered social landlord/housing corporation housing.
	Note that all the data shown is in current prices, although constant price data at 2003 prices is available on request.
	
		
			  Table A: Investment in housing and gross national income 
			  £ million 
			   Total dwellings, (excluding land)  Gross National Income (GNI)  Dwellings of GNI (Percentage) 
			 1980 8674 228055 3.80 
			 1981 8138 250912 3.24 
			 1982 8920 274261 3.25 
			 1983 10447 301840 3.46 
			 1984 11932 324597 3.68 
			 1985 12219 352563 3.47 
			 1986 14140 381383 3.71 
			 1987 16548 418585 3.95 
			 1988 21097 468351 4.50 
			 1989 22771 512116 4.45 
			 1990 21048 552770 3.81 
			 1991 18339 582920 3.15 
			 1992 18826 610651 3.08 
			 1993 19886 640799 3.10 
			 1994 21155 684352 3.09 
			 1995 22448 720317 3.12 
			 1996 22516 766606 2.94 
			 1997 23928 816484 2.93 
			 1998 25222 874620 2.88 
			 1999 25700 910115 2.82 
			 2000 27394 959708 2.85 
			 2001 29806 1011623 2.95 
			 2002 34499 1076865 3.20 
			 2003 38462 1140887 3.37 
			 2004 44299 1209844 3.66 
			 2005 48043 1258722 3.82 
			 2006 54556 1319025 4.14 
			  Note: 1. These figures are based on data last published, in September 2007. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table B: Further breakdown of investment in housing 
			  £ million 
			   Total dwellings, (excluding land)  Households and NPISH (Percentage)  Central Government (Percentage)  Public non-financial corporations (Percentage)  Other (Percentage) 
			 1980 8674 — — — — 
			 1981 8138 — — — — 
			 1982 8920 — — — — 
			 1983 10447 — — — — 
			 1984 11932 — — — — 
			 1985 12219 — — — — 
			 1986 14140 — — — — 
			 1987 16548 — — — — 
			 1988 21097 — — — — 
			 1989 22771 82.36 — — — 
			 1990 21048 79.24 — — — 
			 1991 18339 83.95 — — — 
			 1992 18826 85.28 1.16 12.53 1.03 
			 1993 19886 85.04 1.85 12.02 1.09 
			 1994 21155 85.06 1.51 12.39 1.04 
			 1995 22448 86.49 0.98 11.48 1.05 
			 1996 22516 88.70 1.39 8.86 1.05 
			 1997 23928 90.95 1.21 6.78 1.06 
			 1998 25222 91.37 1.08 6.47 1.08 
			 1999 25700 91.99 0.97 5.95 1.09 
			 2000 27394 92.36 1.35 5.19 1.10 
			 2001 29806 89.78 1.12 8.01 1.09 
			 2002 34499 90.09 0.60 8.22 1.09 
			 2003 38462 89.41 0.39 9.12 1.08 
			 2004 44299 91.25 0.31 7.30 1.14 
			 2005 48043 91.26 0.15 7.44 1.15 
			 2006 54556 91.33 0.01 7.49 1.17 
			  Notes: 1. These figures are based on data last published, in September 2007. 2. The breakdown of dwellings data is summarised in Table 9.1 of the 2007 Blue Book. 3. Where data is missing, it is unavailable before the start date for that series.

Housing: Floods

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people remain displaced from their homes due to the floods in June and July in England.

John Healey: holding answer 4 December 2007
	With our encouragement, local authorities have improved their collection of data about displaced households in recent weeks and we are currently working with Government offices and local authorities to compile an updated estimate of the number of households that remain displaced as a result of the floods in June and July. Once we have the result of this exercise we will place a copy in the Library of the House.

Housing: Floods

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking to facilitate the return of displaced families to their homes following the summer 2007 floods.

John Healey: holding answer 4 December 2007
	We expect all local authorities to have plans and procedures in place to tackle emergency repairs and homelessness, and indications are that these have worked well in the aftermath of the summer floods. Government officials and homelessness specialist advisors have been in contact with some of the affected areas, to offer support for local authorities as they help their local communities.
	At a national level, the Government are making sure that local authorities and other agencies are supported to help householders, business and communities get back to normal as far as possible without unnecessary delays. To date we have made available a comprehensive package of up to £63 million to assist the affected regions, including up to £20 million in flood recovery grant from Communities and Local Government to support the recovery work of local authorities, and particularly their work with those in greatest and most immediate need. Local authorities have the flexibility to decide how to best to use the grant based on their own local circumstances. In practice, this has covered a wide range of action, including support payments to flood- affected households, and provision of temporary caravans to allow people to remain within their communities while houses are repaired.
	Flood-affected local authorities have also been able apply to Communities and Local Government for help through the Bellwin scheme which provides financial assistance to local authorities dealing with emergencies. Exceptionally, the terms of the present schemes have been made more generous because of the circumstances of the recent floods. 50 local authorities have registered for assistance for the June scheme and 52 have registered for the July scheme. 20 local authorities have registered for both schemes. Authorities have six months to spend under this scheme and two have now submitted interim claims.
	The Government continue to work closely with the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to establish how the insurance industry is dealing with policy holders who have been hit by the floods. The ABI has made clear the insurance industry's commitment to maintaining momentum over the coming months in dealing with outstanding claims. However, it will still take time for some properties to dry out before the necessary repairs can be carried out, and this means that some people will not be back in their homes until next year.

Housing: Floods

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent meetings she has held with the local authorities affected by the summer 2007 floods where households are still displaced.

John Healey: holding answer 4 December 2007
	CLG Ministers, including the Secretary of State, have made a series of visits to those areas worst affected by the summer floods, including those areas where people remain displaced from their homes. As flood recovery Minister I have visited the city of Kingston upon Hull a number of times since the floods in June, with the most recent visit taking place on 14 November.
	I and other CLG Ministers have also made various visits to other affected local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region, Nottinghamshire, and the South West. The Prime Minister visited several of the worst affected areas in the immediate aftermath of the floods, including Gloucester and Hull.
	These visits have been useful opportunities for Ministers to meet local authority staff and members who are leading recovery efforts, and visits to affected areas will continue.

Housing: Low Incomes

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) lowest,  (b) highest and  (c) median salary was of shared ownership property purchasers in each London borough in 2006.

Iain Wright: We do not centrally hold data on the lowest, highest and median salary of shared ownership property purchasers in each London borough in 2006. This could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Housing: Overcrowding

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she plans to update the housing standard on overcrowding.

Iain Wright: The Government are committed to addressing overcrowding and we are considering updating the standards. However, we do not believe this in itself will solve overcrowding without having the means in place to help overcrowded families and we are considering how we can most effectively address the problem. We have already announced an increase in the provision of new social housing. We have also invested over £35 million in London pilot schemes in the period 2006-08 to provide innovative solutions to some of the worst cases of overcrowding and will be looking carefully at the lessons learned from these.

Housing: Repairs and Maintenance

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what level of private sector housing renewal grant is planned  (a) for older people and  (b) for people with disabilities in 2007-08; and what the level was in each of the last five years.

Iain Wright: Details of private sector renewal assistance since 2002 can be found in the 2006 Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix K which is published on the Department's website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/153005.
	The information has also been deposited in the Library of the House.
	An element of this goes towards assisting people with disabilities but the figures are not broken down in to specific categories.

Local Authorities: Citizenship

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she plans to publish guidance for local authorities on how to run effective citizenship activities.

Parmjit Dhanda: Guidance on how to run a citizens' day was published jointly with the Citizenship Foundation on 29 November.

Planning Permission: Quarrying

Paul Rowen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dormant quarries have planning permission for mineral extraction in  (a) the North West and  (b) England.

Iain Wright: Legislation introduced in 1991 for the review of old mining consents, and in 1995 for the review of old mineral permissions, defines mineral sites as 'dormant' if no mineral development has been carried out to any substantial extent in, respectively, the period 1 May 1989 to 30 April 1991 and the period 22 February 1982 to 6 June 1995. British Geological Survey data record 487 dormant mineral sites in England in 2006, of which 88 are in the North West.

Regional Development Agencies

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  when she expects regional assemblies to transfer responsibility for regional housing and planning matters to regional development agencies;
	(2)  what the procedure will be for designating regional development agencies as regional planning bodies.

Iain Wright: The transfer of regional planning body designation to regional development agencies will require primary legislation.
	The Government will be consulting on the detailed implementation of the transfer early in 2008.
	The Government aim to put new arrangements in place by 2010.

Regional Planning and Development: Green Belt

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dwellings were built within the 1997 designated green belt in each year in  (a) England and  (b) each Government office region between 1997 and 2006.

Iain Wright: The 1997 designated green belt covered 1,652,300 hectares of land. Between 1997 and 2005 45,240 homes were built within the 1997 designated green belt, 4 per cent. of all dwellings built within that time. The figures for each region and year over this time can be seen in the following table. Robust data are not yet available for 2006.
	
		
			  Number of dwellings built on the 1997 designated green belt 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  1997-2005 
			 North East 50 150 30 20 10 30 60 60 100 520 
			 North West 1,320 1,080 1,250 1,590 710 1,090 1,230 700 1,060 10,030 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 770 670 810 580 800 960 750 590 510 6,440 
			 East Midlands 190 150 50 300 240 110 100 180 100 1,410 
			 West Midlands 620 540 760 830 770 930 660 650 800 6,570 
			 East of England 580 940 970 960 1,030 450 730 710 620 6,990 
			 London 160 450 200 380 280 480 280 240 230 2,690 
			 South East 940 800 1,290 1,200 1,030 790 920 1,080 660 8,710 
			 South West 170 310 190 250 250 190 120 100 150 1,730 
			 England 4,710 5,080 5,630 6,030 5,240 4,920 4,870 4,390 4,370 45,240 
			  Notes: 1. There is an inevitable time-lag between land use change occurring and it being recorded, therefore data are constantly being updated. 2. The data in the table are based on records received from Ordnance Survey up to June 2007, published in October 2007.

Religious Buildings

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 786W, on religious buildings, if she will contact local authorities in  (a) London,  (b) Birmingham and  (c) Manchester with a view to establishing the names and addresses of mosques in those cities.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Government currently have no plans to contact local authorities in London, Birmingham or Manchester in order to establish the names and addresses of mosques.

Social Rented Housing: Rents

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much additional rental income will arise from rent restructuring if continued in each year to 2011.

Iain Wright: The forecast of additional rental income arising from rent restructuring continuing in each year to 2011-12 would require the projection of dwelling stock totals to that date, which the Department does not have. Even with these data local authorities are free to set their own rents and so, although they will be mindful of the guideline rent in the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system, we would be unable to forecast what rent levels might be.
	For housing associations, the Housing Corporation does have stock projections extending to 2012, but not in a format that would allow the calculation of additional rental income as asked. To answer the question would require a detailed breakdown of stock and the rental income associated with that stock.

Waste Disposal

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps are being taken to improve access to civic amenity sites.

Joan Ruddock: I have been asked to reply.
	Section 51(1)(b) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires waste disposal authorities to provide places where residents can deposit their household waste free of charge. Section 51(2) specifies that these sites shall be reasonably accessible to residents, open at all reasonable times including a period on Saturdays and free of charge.
	As a general rule, the Government believe local authorities are best placed to make decisions on the waste management strategy for their communities and therefore DEFRA does not intervene in these matters.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Climate Change

Christine Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to assist the world's poorest countries address the adverse impacts of climate change.

Gareth Thomas: DFID is helping developing countries prepare for climate change by, for example:
	contributing to UN funds for developing adaptation strategies;
	carrying out climate risk assessment of our own programmes in a number of countries and funding further climate adaptation research.

Climate Change

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to help the world's poorest countries address the effects of climate change.

Gareth Thomas: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for City of Chester (Christine Russell) today (UIN 171079).

HIV/AIDS: Sub-Saharan Africa

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking to increase UK assistance allocated to children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Gareth Thomas: The UK HIV/AIDS strategy "Taking Action" commits the UK to spending £1.5 billion on HIV/AIDS between 2005 and 2008. Of this, at least £150 million will be spent on orphans and vulnerable children, most of which will go to sub-Saharan Africa.

Somaliland

Alun Michael: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department is providing for the development of democratic processes in the Republic of Somaliland.

Shahid Malik: DFID is contributing over £1 million to a democratisation programme in Somaliland.
	The programme, implemented by Interpeace, currently supports the National Electoral Commission to:
	develop its capacity;
	produce a credible voter registration system and
	deliver free and fair elections.
	It also supports civil society to engage in the democratic process.

HIV/AIDS

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on global efforts to address HIV/AIDS.

Gareth Thomas: DFID Ministers over the last few months have had discussions with a wide range of international counterparts including the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Ministers of Health signed up to the International Health Partnership, the International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), the Clinton Foundation, the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, UNAIDS, UNFPA, WHO and others.
	Discussions have concentrated on international commitments to HIV and AIDS, including the commitment to universal access to comprehensive prevention programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010.

Elections

Lee Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department has taken to support free and fair elections in developing countries over the last 12 months.

Shahid Malik: DFID provided over £8 million to support the elections in Sierra Leone that were widely perceived as free and fair and resulted in a peaceful transition of power to the opposition. The Department also provided £6 million to support the last election in Nigeria. We are already providing support for forthcoming elections in Kenya, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan and Malawi. In a process ending in early 2007, we provided £25 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) election—our largest contribution to date to a national election.

Burma

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Burma.

Shahid Malik: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Members for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Mr. Evennett) and North West Cambridgeshire (Mr. Vara) toady (UIN 171074 and 171076)

IT: Africa

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects his Department has to provide children in Africa with access to information technology.

Gareth Thomas: The majority of DFID's bilaterial aid to education in Africa is provided through sector and budget support. Decisions on investment priorities are made locally by the recipient Government. DFID funds are used to support IT in schools through teaching training; through our multilateral funding of organisations like the Commonwealth of Learning, who provide expertise on both software and hardware; and through our policy dialogue with Governments and the new partnership for Africa's development (NEPAD) on the role of IT in schools

Bangladesh

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government have taken to provide aid and assistance to Bangladesh to deal with the damage caused by cyclone Sidr.

Shahid Malik: The UK Government has provided £7 million for cyclone Sidr relief in Bangladesh. The first tranche of £2.5 million went through the Bangladesh United Nations development programme (UNDP).
	An additional £2.5 million was announced by the Secretary of State on 23 November to be programmed through three international NGOs.
	A further £2 million announced by the Secretary of State on 28 November to support the short to medium-term response.

Djibouti

Brian Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department plans to offer to assist the operation of the forthcoming elections in Djibouti.

Shahid Malik: We have no plans to offer bilateral assistance for the forthcoming elections in Djibouti. The United Kingdom does not have a bilateral aid programme in Djibouti. Any UK support would be channelled through our core contributions to multilateral agencies such as the World Bank, United Nations and European Commission.

Asylum: Overseas Aid

Alex Salmond: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department allocated to support work with refugees from  (a) Iraq,  (b) Afghanistan,  (c) Sudan and  (d) Somalia in each of the last 10 years.

Shahid Malik: It is not possible to determine the level of DFID support for refugees from the above countries from central systems.
	The following table shows DFID bilateral humanitarian assistance in total and in each country over the last ten years. This assistance supports a range of activities including work supporting refugees and internally displaced people.
	
		
			  DFID bilateral humanitarian assistance, 1997-98 to 2006-07 
			  £000 
			   DFID bilateral humanitarian assistance, of which:  Iraq  Afghanistan  Sudan  Somalia 
			 1997-98 94,680 3,351 6,685 4,337 1,047 
			 1998-99 113,711 5,749 2,579 23,497 1,079 
			 1999-2000 224,700 6,585 4,917 2,774 372 
			 2000-01 222,431 9,545 6,563 4,491 1,235 
			 2001-02, 192,446 7,760 49,943 5,164 1,638 
			 2002-03 294,891 18,853 44,253 16,338 2,920 
			 2003-04 310,602 110,052 10,457 21,872 3,172 
			 2004-05 332,318 21,383 7,067 77,904 3,543 
			 2005-06 405,978 4,770 3,390 97,792 15,589 
			 2006-07 336,473 10,085 1,613 83,614 7,975 
		
	
	DFID also provides funds to a range of civil society organisations and multilateral institutions that support refugees and internally displaced people across the world.

Burma: Overseas Investment

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much British companies have invested in Burma in each of the last five years; and which companies have made such investments.

Gareth Thomas: I have been asked to reply. 
	The UK Government discourage trade and investment with Burma. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures for the UK's foreign direct investment in Burma for the period 2001-04 are protected by commercial confidentiality. The ONS recorded a nil investment return in 2005. Data for 2006 will be published in February 2008.

Delivery Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which companies are under contract to his Department to provide mail services.

Shahid Malik: DFID is party to a Government contract in respect of an overnight internal mail service between our two UK offices. This contract is currently let to TNT Express (UK) Ltd. No other private companies are contracted to provide mail services.

Departmental Marketing

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines issued to staff maintaining his Department's corporate identity; and what the estimated annual cost is of  (a) producing and  (b) complying with such guidelines.

Shahid Malik: I have placed a copy of DFID's Identity Standards in the Library of the House.
	The Identity Standards booklet was produced in financial year 2005-06 and cost £21,504.50 to produce. There are no ongoing production costs, as the booklet has not to date been reprinted.
	The booklet was a refinement of existing guidance into one easy-to-use package for staff to refer to, so there were no initial compliance costs. This has led to substantial time savings for staff in having consistent, easily accessible guidance across all applications. The only ongoing compliance cost is a small amount of Communications Division staff time for guidance and monitoring compliance. This is a routine function of the Communications Division and it is not possible to disaggregate the precise time or cost involved.

Departmental Pay

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people in his Department earned over £100,000 in each year since 1997.

Shahid Malik: The numbers of DFID staff who received salaries of over £100,000, including performance pay, in each year since 1997 (for which data are available) are shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of staff 
			 1997-98 n/a 
			 1998-99 1 
			 1999-2000 1 
			 2000-01 1 
			 2001-02 3 
			 2002-03 3 
			 2003-04 3 
			 2004-05 3 
			 2005-06 6 
			 2006-07 5

Departmental Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from his Department in each year since 1997; which organisations staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

Shahid Malik: DFID is unable to respond to all parts of this question as our central records do not go back to 1997 and the cost of each secondment is not maintained. We have held central secondment records since 2003, details of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

Developing Countries: Overseas Aid

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of the Environmental Transformation Fund has been earmarked for adaptation in developing countries.

Gareth Thomas: Apart from the £50 million earmarked for the Congo Basin, which was announced in the Budget, we have yet to take a decision on how the Environmental Transformation Fund will be allocated. Decisions about any resource allocations (including an allocation to adaptation) will be agreed by relevant Ministers and an HMG governance board in consultation with key stakeholders over the coming months.

Food and Agriculture Organisation

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions his Department has had with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: I met the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr. Jacques Diouf, on 24 October in London and addressed the FAO General Conference in Rome on 19 November. These were part of the frequent discussions which DFID has with the FAO at all levels. The main focus of discussions has been on reform of the FAO following a recently concluded independent external evaluation, which recommended that significant changes were needed. We have made clear the importance we attach to implementing the independent evaluation's recommendations.
	Officials have also had technical discussions with FAO including on climate change, forestry, fisheries, livestock, avian influenza, food standards, agricultural trade and communications.

Occupied Territories: Poverty

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his most recent estimate is of the percentage of Palestinians  (a) in the West Bank and  (b) in the Gaza Strip (i) living below the poverty line and (ii) unemployed; and what assessment he has made of the impact of his policies on their situation.

Shahid Malik: According to the UN Development programme, 56 per cent. of households in the West Bank, and 70 per cent. in Gaza were living below the income poverty line in early 2007. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, unemployment in the second quarter of 2007 was 23 per cent. in the West Bank, and 32 per cent. in Gaza. More recent data reflecting the deteriorating situation in Gaza since June 2007 are not available. While poverty and unemployment levels have both increased, the situation would be far worse without international assistance. During 2006, aid from DFID and other donors helped to slow the decline in gross domestic product from a predicted fall of 27 per cent. to 10 per cent.
	The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) provides humanitarian updates at www.ochaopt.org. DFID plans to conduct a humanitarian assessment in Gaza in coordination with the UN.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: I have been asked to reply.
	The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) has ensured nearly three years of largely peaceful relations between North and South Sudan after over two decades of civil war. Many provisions of the CPA have been implemented, allowing several important power and wealth sharing measures to be put in place.
	The withdrawal of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) from the Government of National Unity on 11 October was partly due to the SPLM's concern that some aspects of the CPA needed to be addressed, including full re-deployment of troops, resolution of the Abyei boundary and greater transparency in distribution of oil wealth. We are urging both sides to enter dialogue on these issues and allow full implementation of the CPA.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations the Government have made to NATO on logistical support for the UN-African Union force in Darfur, Sudan.

Meg Munn: I have been asked to reply.
	The UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), in consultation with the African Union, is generating the UN-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur (UNAMID) through negotiations with individual countries rather than multilateral institutions. We have not made representations to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on logistical support for UNAMID.
	In 2005 the African Union requested NATO's assistance for the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMIS) in Darfur. Since July 2005, NATO has coordinated strategic airlift for AMIS. NATO will continue this support until the transition from AMIS to UNAMID on 31 December 2007. Working with NATO, we continue to fund specific AMIS troop rotation airlifts.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the likelihood that the UN-African Union force will be able to deploy in full strength in Darfur, Sudan by January 2008.

Meg Munn: I have been asked to reply.
	Under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1769, the UN-African Union hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur (UNAMID) is due to assume authority from the current African Union Mission in Sudan, no later than 31 December 2007
	"... with a view to achieving full operational capability and force strength as soon as possible thereafter".
	The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, told the UN Security Council on 27 November that there are continuing shortfalls in ground transport and helicopter contributions for UNAMID. We are working closely with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) to fill the shortfalls. Deployment will also depend on co-operation by the Government of Sudan. We continue to press the DPKO, the African Union and the Government of Sudan, for a prompt and effective deployment of the UNAMID force.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what air and ground transport capacity the Government  (a) have provided and  (b) plan to provide to the UN-African Union force in Darfur, Sudan.

Meg Munn: I have been asked to reply.
	We have paid for troop rotation airlifts for the African Union (AU) Mission in Sudan which will become part of the UN-AU force in Darfur (UNAMID). We support the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations' efforts to provide helicopters and ground transportation for UNAMID.

UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the UK is to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.

Gareth Thomas: As the United Kingdom (UK) never signed the Convention, and since the time for signing the Convention is closed, the process now would be for accession rather than ratification.
	The UK has no immediate plans to accede to the 1997 United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses. Only 16 countries have ratified the Convention, whereas 35 countries are required for the Convention to enter into force. The Department for International Development (DFID) is currently reviewing the international development benefits of accession, and as part of this is seeking views from foreign Governments, NGOs and academics.
	DFID is supporting transboundary water processes in the Middle East, and in Africa through the Nile Basin Initiative. These demonstrate the value of practical approaches to transboundary cooperation on water that yield significant benefits. In neither case is accession to the Convention considered necessary for our support of these processes.

JUSTICE

Departmental Illegal Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many illegal immigrants were discovered working for his Department and its agencies in the last year for which figures are available.

Maria Eagle: One member of staff within HM Courts Service (HMCS) was dismissed with immediate effect on the grounds of being an illegal immigrant. The individual concerned provided the Department with false documentation including a false passport.
	The Prison Service does not hold a central record of any such individuals. To provide this information, all establishments and sections would be required to check their records and to do so would incur a disproportionate cost.
	Neither the Office for Criminal Justice Reform (OCJR), the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) nor other agencies within my Department have discovered any illegal immigrants working for them.

Departmental Publicity

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in the last 12 months.

Maria Eagle: Since 23 November 2006 my Department has spent the following on advertising;
	Ministry of Justice HQ: £103,000
	A magistrates recruitment campaign to promote recruitment to the lay magistracy.
	Her Majesty's Courts Service: £20,837
	'Operation payback' to target court fine defaulters.
	Since 23 November 2006: My Department has also spent the following on recruitment advertising.
	Ministry of Justice HQ: £528,650
	Office for Criminal Justice Reform: £50,000
	National Offender Management Service including HM Probation Service: £264,000
	HM Prisons Service: £238,000
	General recruitment is not centrally managed in HM Prisons Service. To obtain figures would be disproportionate to cost. Current recruitment advertising is taking place in the South Central region to recruit 500 prison officers. The advertising spend is as shown.

End of Custody Licence Scheme

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners transferred from a Northern Ireland prison to a prison in England and Wales have qualified for early release under the End of Custody Licence scheme.

David Hanson: Of the 11 prisoners transferred from Northern Ireland to England and Wales since 2000 to serve their sentences under the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1997, none has been released under the End of Custody Licence (ECL) scheme.
	Eight of the 11 prisoners were released from custody before the ECL scheme was introduced and three remain in custody.
	Prisoners transferred from Northern Ireland to serve their sentences in England and Wales may be released on ECL provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Legal Services Commission: Internet

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 
	(1)  for what reasons the Legal Services Commission Online was suspended indefinitely on 17 November 2007; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  when he expects Legal Services Commission Online to become operational again;
	(3)  how much has been spent on Legal Services Commission Online; and how much has been allocated to the service for each of the next three years.

Maria Eagle: The new LSC Online service is part of an e-business application, which will enable the Legal Services Commission and its providers to achieve efficiencies through increased electronic working. Although the system was tested prior to implementation, it was only when it was loaded with live data that extensive problems became apparent. As a consequence, on 19 November the LSC took the decision to close LSC Online until further notice.
	The LSC is working hard with its technical partners Oracle and Steria to resolve these problems as soon as possible. In the meantime, alternative arrangements have been put in place to ensure that December's payments to suppliers are unaffected.
	LSC Online is part of the Commission's new supplier management system, a fundamental overhaul of the way its IT systems operate. The cost of this overhaul is £2.2 million in 2006-07, and £2.7million in 2007-08, the end of the implementation process. The expected costs for ongoing maintenance and support of the whole supplier management system is £860,000 in each of the next three years.

Office of the Information Commissioner: Finance

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2007 from the Secretary of State for Justice,  Official Report, columns 303-4W, on the Office of the Information Commissioner: finance, how much his Department agreed for the Information Commissioner to retain under section 26 of the Data Protection Act 1998 in each of the last three years.

Michael Wills: With the approval of HM Treasury, the Information Commissioner has retained all the notification fees collected from data controllers since 2005-06. The figures retained in this period have been as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2005-06: 9.6 
			 2006-07: 10.2 
			 2007-08: (1)10.6 
			 (1) Forecast  
		
	
	Prior to this date, his responsibilities for data protection and freedom of information were both funded by a grant in aid.

Police Custody

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on how many occasions prisoners were housed in police stations in each of the last six months due to prison overcrowding; and what additional funding has been provided to the police forces providing prison services.

David Hanson: The following table shows the occasions prisoners have been held under Operation Safeguard in England and Wales in each of the last six months.
	 [Official Report, 20 February 2008, Vol. 472, c. 8MC.]
	
		
			  2007  Occasions( 1) 
			 June 9,121 
			 July 747 
			 August 4,575 
			 September 6,820 
			 October 8,598 
			 November 6,830 
			 (1) One occasion means one prisoner night in a police cell. 
		
	
	The police forces involved charge NOMS for the cost of making police cells available to accommodate prisoners.

Prisons: Mobile Phones

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many mobile telephones were seized in prisons in England and Wales in each of the last 12 months.

Maria Eagle: Prison establishments are required to send all seized mobile telephones to HMPS Security Group for interrogation. The following table contains the number of mobile phones (which includes handsets, handsets containing SIM cards, and individual SIM cards) seized and sent for interrogation in each month from 1 October 2006 to 30 September 2007.
	
		
			  Month  Total number submitted for interrogation 
			 October 2006 230 
			 November 2006 249 
			 December 2006 178 
			 January 2007 310 
			 February 2007 330 
			 March 2007 240 
			 April 2007 272 
			 May 2007 400 
			 June 2007 302 
			 July 2007 334 
			 August 2007 333 
			 September 2007 295 
			 Total 3,473

Wymott Prison: Occupational Health

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons a staff notice was issued to prison officers at HMP Wymott on the wearing of tie pins.

Maria Eagle: The notice to staff at HMP Wymott, reminding staff of existing Prison Service policy on wearing tie pins with uniform, was issued in response to the circulation of a new tie pin by the POA which commemorated the unlawful strike action taken by prison officers on 29 August 2007. Prison Service policy is that wearing a tie pin of this political nature on uniform would be incompatible with the Service's role.

Wymott Prison: Occupational Health

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons prison staff from HMP Wymott have been sent for Atos occupational health appointments; how many have been sent to such appointments in the last six months; and what the cost of these appointments has been.

Maria Eagle: In the last six months since 1 June 2007, 109 members of staff have been referred to the OH provider (Atos Healthcare) in accordance with PSO 8403, Management of Attendance Procedures. 31 members of staff have been referred to the occupational health nurse (Atos) for supportive reasons—where it has been felt after discussion between the staff member and the manager that referral to occupational health may be of benefit and support to the individual for a variety of reasons. 308 members of staff have been through the immunisation programme (provided by Atos) since April 2007.
	The costs of referrals are commercial in confidence.

Young Offenders: Injuries

Rudi Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what injuries were incurred by boys held in  (a) Ashford,  (b) Brinsford and  (c) Castington Young Offenders Institution following use of control and restraint in each month in (i) 2006 and (ii) 2007. [Official Report, 9 September 2009, Vol. 496, c. 15MC.]

Maria Eagle: The information for Ashfield, Brinsford and Castington is set out in the following table and relates to the period until the end of October 2007. The collation of this statistical data commenced at Brinsford in January 2007 and is not available prior to this date. It should be noted that Castington record the incidents in some detail and that the incidents marked with an asterisks were subsequent to fights between young people, and that it is likely that the injuries were sustained in the fights rather than during restraint. The incidents are recorded nonetheless.
	
		
			  Establishment  Ashfield  Brinsford  Castington 
			 January 2006   Nose bleed. 
			 February 2006 1 - sprained ankle  Nose bleed and pain in wrist (L) 
			  6 — file archived  Graze to R eyebrow and cut lip* 
			Marks to neck and upper body* 
			Scratch to nose* 
			Pain in R thumb joint* 
			Marks to face* 
			Pain to L wrist and thumb* 
			 March2006 8 - file archived  Scratch to cheek 
			 April 2006 5 - file archived  Graze to knee* 
			 May 2006 4 - file archived  Redness to wrist 
			  1 - sprained wrist  Cut lip 
			  1 - scratched back  Bruised knuckle* 
			  1-scratched left forearm  Redness to wrist 
			  1 - tender left wrist   
			 June 2006 1 - scratched finger   
			  1 - redness to back of hand   
			  1 - file archived   
			  1 - self-harmed after C and R   
			  1 - swelling left wrist   
			  1 - redness to neck   
			 July 2006 1 - redness to wrist  Red mark to rib cage* 
			  1 - file archived  Red mark to cheek* 
			  1 - redness to wrist  Nose bleed 
			 August 2006 1 redness to wrist  Cut to L temple 
			  1 - file archived  Bite mark on chin* 
			  1 - redness to wrist  Bloody mouth* 
			Bloody mouth* 
			Swelling to R knuckle 
			Swelling to R knuckle* 
			Swelling to R knuckle* 
			 May 2006 4 - file archived  Redness to wrist 
			  1 - sprained wrist  Cut lip 
			  1 - scratched back  Bruised knuckle* 
			  1 - scratched left forearm  Redness to wrist 
			  1 - tender left wrist   
			 September 2006 1 - red marks on wrist and elbow  Bruised nose* 
			  1 - file archived  Swollen thumb 
			  1 - bruised elbow  Graze to nose and forehead. 
			Bruise to left cheek 
			Graze to nose. 
			Abrasion to L shoulder* 
			Graze to L shoulder 
			 October 2006 1 - red marks to neck   
			  1 - cut to left forearm   
			 November 2006 1 - back pain  Swelling to left eye 
			  1 - fracture ulna/radius  Swollen left thumb 
			  1 - swollen hand   
			  1 - swelling on thigh   
			  1 - red wrist   
			 December 2006 1 - bruise on neck  Bruise to face* 
			  1 - dizziness   
			 January 2007 1 - swelling under eye/red marks to both wrists Nil  
			 February 2007 1 - sore left ear/bruised Nil Cut lip* 
			  1 - handcuff marks to both wrists  Bruise to hand* 
			 March 2007  Small cut to head ( required suture) Fractured wrist 
			 April 2007  Nil Swollen left cheek 
			Swelling to left knee* 
			 May 2007 4 - grazes to face Nil  
			 June 2007  Graze to forehead Cut lip 
			Swelling above left eye* 
			 July 2007  Nil Sore wrist 
			Sore wrist 
			Graze to face* 
			 August 2007 1 - right side of head painful/complaining of neck pain Nil Graze to forehead 
			  1 - cuff marks noted to both wrists   
			 September 2007 1 - red marks to wrist Minor injury to forehead Sore wrist Painful elbow 
			  1 - scratch to upper body   
			  1 - bruising to upper arms/red arms   
			  1 - sprain to both wrists   
			 October 2007  Minor scratches Painful shoulder 
			Swollen hand* 
			 November 2007
			 December 2007

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Carbon Sequestration: Licensing

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the licensing for future offshore carbon capture and storage facilities; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The Government will bring forward proposals relating to the licensing of offshore carbon capture and storage facilities as part of the Energy Bill, which will be introduced in this parliamentary session.

Coastal Areas

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to publish the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA undertook a public consultation in 2006 seeking views on how to promote an integrated approach to coastal zone management in England. We published a summary of responses to that consultation in June 2007.
	Responses to that consultation, and also that on the Marine Bill White Paper, emphasised the important contribution that new legislation could make to improving integration in coastal areas. DEFRA is, therefore, currently focusing on developing effective Marine Bill proposals as a key element of our strategy, and we are working to publish a draft Bill in the spring of 2008.
	I intend to publish a statement in the summer of 2008 about how the Marine Bill and other work across Government Departments will contribute to our strategy on integrated coastal zone management, and will then consider what further action may need to be taken after that time.
	Each of the devolved Administrations are taking forward their own approaches, although we are working closely together to share ideas.

Coral: Lyme Bay

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  when he plans to introduce measures to protect the pink sea fan colonies of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  when he expects to make a long term decision on protecting the biodiversity of Lyme Bay; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Voluntary measures to protect the pink sea fan colonies at Lyme Bay were agreed on 24 August 2006 and these are still in place. Public consultation is under way (until 21 December 2007) to consider whether further measures are necessary to protect biodiversity at Lyme Bay more generally. Following this consultation a decision will be made in the new year as to the protection measures necessary at Lyme Bay.

Crabs: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on brown crab conservation.

Jonathan R Shaw: Conservation of brown crab stocks is achieved currently through a restrictive national shellfish licensing scheme which limits the number of vessels allowed to participate in the fishery, through EU and national minimum landing sizes (which vary from region to region) and through strict limits on the quantities of crab claws that may be landed. There are also a range of measures applied by different Sea Fisheries Committees such as permit schemes, a prohibition on the landing of egg-bearing female crabs, seasonal closures and the incorporation of escape gaps in crab pots to allow undersized crabs to escape.
	In response to industry concerns about increasing levels of effort in brown crab fisheries, DEFRA circulated a discussion paper on a range of potential management measures in late 2006. DEFRA is considering the way forward in the light of responses to the discussion paper, which revealed no consensus on possible additional measures but tended towards support for an EU or regional solution.

Crabs: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of brown crab stocks in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Assessments of brown crab stocks are made by Government scientists at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. Stocks are managed at both national and Sea Fisheries Committee level. Stocks appear to be stable at the moment but most brown crab grounds available to fisheries are known and fully utilised. The stocks are assessed in six "stock management units" defined as sea areas in England and Wales. Major crab fisheries exist in the Central North Sea, Southern North Sea, and Western Channel, while smaller crab fisheries exist in the Eastern Channel, Celtic Sea, and Irish Sea. Most crab fisheries tend to be heavily exploited and it would be inadvisable for fishing effort to increase beyond current levels. Females predominate in landings but there is no evidence of reduced levels of recruitment.

Crabs: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with  (a) the devolved administrations and  (b) the EU on brown crab conservation; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA has regular contact with devolved Administrations on shellfish conservation in the course of general exchanges, and formally include them in consultations where the conservation of brown crabs is concerned. Should strategic developments in brown crab conservation measures be considered by any of the Administrations there are open channels in which reciprocal impacts on neighbour's fisheries can be considered. No recent discussions have taken place with the EU on this issue.

Departmental Sustainable Development

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his Department expects to meet the commitment in the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate targets  (a) to source at least 10 per cent. of its electricity from renewables by 31 March 2008 and  (b) to increase recycling figures to 40 per cent. of waste by 2010.

Joan Ruddock: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has already met the commitment in the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate targets to  (a) source 10 per cent. of its electricity from renewables by 31 March 2008 and  (b) to increase recycling figures to 40 per cent. of waste by 2010.
	Currently, 63 per cent. of electricity is sourced from renewables and 55 per cent. of waste is recycled.

European Fisheries Fund

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  when the consultation on the UK Operational Programme for the European Union Fisheries Fund will begin; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what consideration he has given to using the dispute resolution procedures set out in the devolution agreements to finalise the UK Operational Programme for fisheries; for what reasons he has not already used them; whether he plans to use them; whether he has set a deadline for the devolved administrations for reaching an agreement before using them; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  whether he is required to hold a consultation on the UK Operational Programme for the European Fisheries Fund before he submits the Programme to the European Commission for approval; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: We aim to consult with fishermen, the aquaculture sector and other key stakeholders on the draft UK Operational Programme in early 2008. This will be a 12 week consultation.
	Agreement has now been reached between all UK Fisheries Ministers regarding the division of the UK European Fisheries Fund budget and, as such, there is no dispute for which it would be necessary to use the dispute resolution procedures set out in the devolution agreements. DEFRA officials are working with their counterparts in the devolved Administrations to complete the UK Operational Programme, in order to enable the consultation to take place.
	Under the terms of the relevant EC Regulation (1198/2006), it is a requirement that a member state shall draw up its Operational Programme in close consultation with the regional, local, economic and social partners in the fisheries sector and all other appropriate bodies.

European Fisheries Fund

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 864-65W, on the European Fisheries Fund, up to what percentage the European Commission can propose a cut in the UK's European Fisheries Fund budget; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what discussions he has had with the European Commission on the penalties that could be imposed by the European Commission for late submission and approval of the UK Operational Programme on Fisheries;
	(3)  pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 863-64W, on the European Fisheries Fund, what assessment he has made of the effect that a reduction in the European Fisheries Fund budget for the UK would have on his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The European Commission has made projections for how much each member state will spend under each year of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) programme. For the UK this is as follows:
	
		
			   Current prices in euros 
			 2007 18,825,212 
			 2008 19,107,072 
			 2009 19,392,676 
			 2010 19,682,062 
			 2011 19,975,266 
			 2012 20,272,325 
			 2013 20,573,276 
		
	
	In the event that Operational Programmes (OPs) are not approved by the Commission by the end of 2007, the Commission could, in principle:
	(a) propose to the European Council and Parliament that funds (that is, the amount of projected spend for 2007) be transferred to later years of the programme; or
	(b) propose a cut in the EFF budget, in effect reducing the UK budget (by the amount of projected spend for 2007).
	All member states have experienced delays in implementing the programme. Until the UK OP has been approved, the UK cannot spend EFF funds and therefore spending will not match the Commission's projections. The Commission may therefore propose either of the aforementioned courses of action. I will support any Commission proposal and seek the necessary EU Council and Parliament agreement which would result in the 2007 allocation being carried forward.
	No assessment has be made of the effect that a reduction in the EFF budget for the UK would have on the Department, because it is not yet clear that any reduction will be imposed.

European Fisheries Fund

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 864W, on the European Fisheries Fund, which EU member states  (a) have and  (b) have not submitted their Operational Programmes on fisheries to the European Commission for approval; which have had their Operational Programmes approved; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Information regarding which EU member states have and have not submitted their European Fisheries Fund (EFF) Operational Programmes to the European Commission for approval, is not available.
	Of those programmes already submitted to the Commission, I understand the Commission is aiming to have the majority approved by the end of the year. I understand that Finland is the only EU member state to have had their EFF Operational Programme approved by the Commission to date.

European Fisheries Fund

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the UK National Strategic Plan for Fisheries in relation to the European Fisheries Fund for the period January 2007 to December 2013 has been submitted to the European Commission; what the deadline was for  (a) submitting it to the Commission and  (b) Commission approval; what penalties could be imposed for submission being made after the deadline has passed; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The UK National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Fisheries, in relation to the European Fisheries Fund (2007-13), has not yet been submitted to the European Commission. DEFRA officials are working closely with those from the devolved administrations to finalise the NSP and I plan to submit it to the Commission by the end of the year.
	The relevant EC Regulation (1198/2006) states that the NSP shall be submitted to the Commission, at the latest, when submitting the Operational Programme. The NSP does not require approval by the Commission but shall be the subject of a dialogue between the member state and the Commission. Failure to submit an NSP results in the Commission being unable to approve an Operational Programme.

Eutrophication

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research he has commissioned on the eutrophication of UK waters; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The eutrophication status of UK waters is reviewed at four year intervals by the Environment Agency (England and Wales), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Scotland) and the Environment and Heritage Service (Northern Ireland) as required by the Nitrate and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directives.
	UK coastal and marine waters are also reviewed by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Environment and Heritage Service for the Convention on the Prevention of Pollution of the Environment of the North East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention).
	The last of these was conducted in 2002, with a further OSPAR review being completed this spring. Information on DEFRA sponsored eutrophication research is available on the DEFRA website.

Fisheries

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he plans to establish a fisheries marine protected area; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Provided that the science clearly justifies them, DEFRA supports the concept of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) closed to fishing, both for sustainable management of fish stocks and for ecological reasons relating to species and habitats. The usefulness of protected areas as a fisheries conservation measure has to be evaluated in each individual case taking into account factors such as the biology of the stocks, character of the fishery, and other fisheries management measures already in place. It is recognised that there may be displacement of fishing effort from protected areas and these effects must also be managed. DEFRA commissioned a number of reports in order to help clarify the potential role of MPAs when applied to fisheries management. These are available on the DEFRA website.
	DEFRA intends to develop criteria for the selection of Marine Protected areas and then use those criteria to contribute to the development of an integrated approach to their designation and management, including the examination of the potential for fisheries conservation.

Fisheries: Enforcement

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the effectiveness of aerial surveillance in support of fisheries enforcement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Aerial surveillance supports fisheries enforcement, in that aircraft are tasked for some 1,000 hours (2006-07) to undertake monitoring of fisheries activity in English and Welsh waters. Tasking and monthly profiling of the aircraft patrols are directed from the operations room at the Marine and Fisheries Agency headquarters in London.

Fisheries: Enforcement

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent by the Government on aerial surveillance in relation to fisheries protection in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Aerial surveillance in relation to marine fisheries protection in the waters around England and Wales is undertaken by private contractors hired by the Marine and Fisheries Agency. The cost to the Marine and Fisheries Agency (Sea Fisheries Inspectorate prior to 1 October 2005) of these activities is given in the table as follows.
	
		
			  Financial year  Cost (£000) 
			 1999-2000 2,128 
			 2000-01 2,343 
			 2001-02 2,378 
			 2002-03 2,460 
			 2003-04 2,531 
			 2004-05 2,639 
			 2005-06 2,056 
			 2006-07 1,910 
		
	
	Figures for the periods before 1999-2000 are no longer readily available in the Department's accounting records.
	Aerial surveillance in respect of the waters around Scotland is undertaken by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, on behalf of the Scottish Executive, and is not funded by the Department.

Fisheries: Enforcement

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrangements with Direct Flight Ltd. to provide aerial surveillance in relation to fisheries protection.

Jonathan R Shaw: Marine and Fisheries Agency staff provide advance operational tasking and are then in daily operational contact with the pilot and ground staff when aircraft are tasked. DirectFlight are contracted to provide this coverage until March 2009. No decisions as to future coverage have yet been made.

Fisheries: Enforcement

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many miles of aerial surveillance were provided in relation to fisheries enforcement in each month since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Aircraft do not provide mileage of either distance flown or actual sea covered as often they have to over-fly targets to confirm identification or ascertain vessel activity. I have arranged for copies of a table, containing information on the number of on-task hours provided each month since 1997, to be placed in the Libraries of the House. It can be assumed that the aircraft fly at approximately 150 knots when on task.

Fisheries: Enforcement

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many on-board inspections of  (a) UK and  (b) foreign fishing vessels were undertaken in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: A table which includes all relevant detail recorded by the Marine and Fisheries Agency from 1997, indicating vessel nationalities and inspected at sea, has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Fisheries: Quotas

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Inshore Fisheries Working Group on quota management; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: I have not had any discussions with the Inshore Fisheries Working Group on quota management. However, I have had several meetings with inshore fishermen, both in London and around the coast, and quota management was a key topic of discussion at these meetings.

Fisheries: Quotas

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  when he expects to put forward proposals on reforming quota management that are agreed with the devolved administrations; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on the Quota Management Change Programme;
	(3)  when he expects the Quota Management Change Programme to present proposals to improve the amount of quota available to the inshore fleet; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what discussions he has had with his counterparts in the devolved administrations about the Quota Management Change Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: With regard to the current position on the Quota Management Change Programme (QMCP) and quota management reform, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 865W.
	The issue was briefly discussed at a meeting of Fisheries Ministers from DEFRA and the devolved Administrations which was held in Peterhead on 5 October. No decisions were reached on the question of separate quota management arrangements for Scotland, and no formal proposals have yet been put to DEFRA.
	In the light of the Scottish Executive's withdrawal from the QMCP, DEFRA officials are currently developing options to improve the current management arrangements for the under 10 m fleet. I expect to make an announcement on this matter soon.

Fishing Vessels: Decommissioning

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many vessels he expects to be decommissioned under the provisions of the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme 2007, S.I., 2007, No. 312; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how much he expects to be spent on decommissioning vessels with reference to the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme 2007, S.I., 2007, No. 312; what will happen to the remaining monies; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many vessels were considered for decommissioning with reference to the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme 2007, S.I., 2007, No. 312; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Bids were received from 26 vessels eligible under the 2007 decommissioning scheme.
	Eight vessels have been decommissioned at a cost of £4,737,500. £5 million was allocated to the scheme. Allocating money to a ninth vessel would have exceeded the £5 million. Remaining monies were available for reallocation under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance programme.

Fishing Vessels: Decommissioning

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what total tonnage is being decommissioned with reference to the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme 2007, S.I., 2007, No. 312; what proportion this is of  (a) the total tonnage of vessels in the South West and  (b) the total tonnage of vessels in the South West that have quota for Western Channel sole; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The total tonnage decommissioned under the 2007 decommissioning scheme is 1,578 gross tonnes.
	The tonnage from South West vessels (that is, those with their port of administration in Brixham, Newlyn or Plymouth) decommissioned under the scheme is 1,275 gross tonnes. This represents  (a) 5 per cent. of the total gross tonnage of all registered vessels in the South West and  (b) 18 per cent. of the total gross tonnage of all vessels in the South West that have quota for Western Channel sole.
	In addition, the tonnage from two Shoreham vessels decommissioned under the scheme is 303 gross tonnes.

Fishing Vessels: Decommissioning

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on jobs that the decommissioning scheme will have with reference to the Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels Scheme 2007, S.I., 2007, No. 312; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: No assessment was made of the effect that the 2007 decommissioning scheme might have on jobs because it is for individual vessel owners to decide how they conduct their business, and how they address their own situation with regard to their employees.

Flood Control: Finance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what plans he has to assess the appropriateness of the points scoring system which determines what areas have priority for funding for flood defence measures;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with the Environment Agency on the point scoring system for funding of flood defence measures;
	(3)  what safeguards are in place to ensure that rural areas receive sufficient funding for flood defence measures under the point scoring system for funding of flood defence measures.

Phil Woolas: Following public consultation, new outcome measures for flood and coastal erosion risk management have been developed to set out more clearly what the overall programme should deliver.
	The consultation also included a range of approaches to prioritisation for funding for flood defence measures. We are now working with the Environment Agency to develop an effective prioritisation process for the capital programme to deliver outcome measures in future years. We expect the revised prioritisation system to be introduced during the comprehensive spending review period.
	As part of the economic assessment for flood risk management projects, the benefits are compared to cost so the crucial measurement is on benefits per unit cost and not on the absolute benefit of proposals. This ensures smaller (perhaps rural) projects are considered on an equal footing to larger (perhaps urban) ones.
	While there is no clear bias against rural projects on the availability of funding, projects are more likely to go ahead in higher populated areas as these will tend to protect larger numbers of people or higher asset values for a given cost.

Genetically Modified Organisms

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States Department of Agriculture on genetically modified organisms.

Phil Woolas: We have not had any discussions with the US Department of Agriculture on genetically modified organisms.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme: Fees and Charges

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints he has received from recipients of warm front vouchers alleging that contractors have asked them to pay administration fees; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Since the £300 voucher rebate scheme started in 2006, eaga plc has received three complaints.

Inland Waterways: Repairs and Maintenance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made of the effect of proposed funding reductions for inland waterways on future maintenance and safety of canals.

Jonathan R Shaw: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 3 December 2007,  Official Report, column 741W.

Inland Waterways: Repairs and Maintenance

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations he has received on an application for provision of additional funding for inland waterways.

Jonathan R Shaw: I receive correspondence from a wide range of stakeholders regarding funding for the inland waterways. DEFRA sponsors the three largest navigation authorities—British Waterways, the Environment Agency and the Broads Authority.
	The formal comprehensive spending review settlement for 2008-09 to 2010-11 for Departments has been announced. This will now be followed by DEFRA's own financial allocation process which is based on careful prioritisation across the Department and all its sponsored bodies. We are actively engaging delivery partners in this, but most final allocations, including those for the Environment Agency and British Waterways, will not be known until the new year after further discussions within DEFRA.

Lobsters: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on lobster conservation.

Jonathan R Shaw: Conservation of lobster stocks is achieved currently through a restrictive national shellfish licensing scheme which limits the number of vessels allowed to participate in the fishery. There are also local Sea Fisheries Committee (SFC) permit schemes, an EU minimum landing size, a national prohibition on the landing of v-notched or mutilated lobsters. A range of measures are also applied through SFCs, such as higher local minimum landing sizes, a prohibition on the landing of egg bearing (berried) female lobsters, the release of hatchery-reared juvenile lobsters into the wild, and escape gaps to allow undersized lobsters a route out of lobster pots.
	In response to industry concern about conservation in the major lobster fisheries, DEFRA has consulted on an increase in the minimum landing size, and on the introduction of a maximum landing size. DEFRA is considering a way forward in the light of responses to the consultation which revealed divided views amongst stakeholders.

Lobsters: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of lobster stocks in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Lobster fisheries are assessed by Government scientists at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and by some Sea Fisheries Committees. The fisheries are predominantly inshore, and known grounds are fully utilised. Assessments show that, while catch rates are stable or increasing and recruitment has recently been good, the stocks are heavily exploited tending towards overfishing. Expansion of the fishery is not recommended, and further conservation measures may be necessary.

Lobsters: Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with  (a) the devolved administrations and  (b) the EU on lobster conservation; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA has regular contact with devolved administrations on shellfish conservation in the course of general exchanges, and formally include them in consultations where conservation of lobsters is concerned. Should strategic developments in lobster conservation measures be considered by any of the administrations there are open channels through which reciprocal impacts on neighbour's fisheries can be considered. No recent discussions have taken place with the EU on this issue.

Marine Animals

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which marine species in UK waters are in decline; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Around 6,000 marine species from UK waters (not including overseas territories) were recently assessed under a scientifically-reviewed process to decide which species should be placed on the Biodiversity Action Plan list for the UK. Criterion 3 of this assessment was for those species with a marked decline; i.e. those which have declined by 50 per cent. or more over the past 25 years. The decline may be in relation to population abundance, range or number of occupied sites. Where insufficient data exist, shorter time series have been extrapolated. 16 species were selected using this criterion:
	
		
			   Species 
			 Ammodytes marinus Lesser sandeel 
			 Amphianthus dohrnii Sea-fan anemone 
			 Anotrichium barbatum Red alga 
			 Atrina fragilis Fan mussel 
			 Cetorhinus maximus Basking shark 
			 Clavopsella navis Brackish hydroid 
			 Edwardsia timida Burrowing anemone 
			 Haliclystus auricula Stalked jellyfish 
			 Leptopsammia pruvoti Sunset cup coral 
			 Lucernariopsis campanulata Stalked jellyfish 
			 Lucernariopsis cruxmelitensis Stalked jellyfish 
			 Merlangius merlangus Whiting 
			 Merluccius merluccius European hake 
			 Osmerus eperlanus Smelt 
			 Ostrea edulis Native oyster 
			 Scomber scombrus Atlantic mackerel

Marine Biodiversity Liaison Group

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what he expects to be the membership composition of the Marine Biodiversity Liaison Group; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: I am not aware of any group called the Marine Biodiversity Liaison Group. However, DEFRA has set up a Marine Biodiversity Stakeholder Group which provides a forum for discussion between DEFRA and its stakeholders. The group's purpose is to provide governmental and non-governmental stakeholders with periodic updates of progress on marine biodiversity policy; all present are given the opportunity to ask questions and contribute to policy development.
	Membership of the group is broad and flexible and includes representatives from: Government, the devolved administrations, Government agencies, non-government organisations (for example, the Wildlife Trusts), academic organisations (for example, the Marine Biological Association), marine industry sectors (such as the British Ports Association) and marine recreational sectors (for example the Royal Yachting Association).

Planning Permission

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many new developments went ahead against Environment Agency advice in 2006-07.

Phil Woolas: In 2006-07, 110 planning applications were granted against Environment Agency advice. It is not known how many of these proposals have been implemented, as planning permission remains valid for a period of three years before commencement is required.
	In this period, local planning authorities reported back to the Agency on the outcome of its objections in 57 per cent. of cases. Only 4 per cent. of these decisions went against the Agency's advice.

Seas and Oceans: Environment Protection

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which sites he has designated marine protection areas; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: A range of current legislative measures provide protection to important marine species and habitats at key sites. We currently have 151 marine protected areas in UK inshore waters (within 12 nautical miles), which include:
	72 special protections areas with marine habitats for birds;
	76 special areas of conservation with marine habitats or species, and
	three statutory marine nature reserves.
	The following list provides the names of these sites.
	 Special protection areas with marine components in UK waters
	Aide-Ore Estuary
	Bae Caerfyrddin/Carmarthen Bay
	Belfast Lough
	Benacre to Easton Bavents
	Benfleet and Southend Marshes
	Blackwater Estuary (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 4)
	Breydon Water
	Bridgend Flats, Islay
	Burry Inlet
	Carlingford Lough
	Chesil Beach and The Fleet
	Chichester and Langstone Harbours
	Colne Estuary (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 2)
	Coquet Island
	Cromarty Firth
	Crouch and Roach Estuaries (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 3)
	Deben Estuary
	Dengie (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 1)
	Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet
	Duddon Estuary
	Dungeness to Pett Level
	Dyfi Estuary/Aber Dyfi
	East Sanday Coast
	Exe Estuary
	Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary
	Foulness (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 5)
	Gibraltar Point
	Glannau Aberdaron and Ynys Enlli/Aberdaron Coast and Bardsey Island
	Glas Eileanan
	Gruinart Flats, Islay
	Hamford Water
	Humber Estuary
	Inner Clyde Estuary
	Inner Moray Firth
	Killough Bay
	Laggan, Islay
	Larne Lough
	Lindisfarne
	Loch of Inch and Torrs Warren
	Lough Foyle
	Medway Estuary and Marshes
	Mersey Estuary
	Minsmere-Walberswick
	Montrose Basin
	Moray and Nairn Coast
	Morecambe Bay
	North Norfolk Coast
	North Uist Machair and Islands
	Outer Ards
	Pagham Harbour
	Poole Harbour
	Portsmouth Harbour
	Ramsey and St. David's Peninsula Coast
	Rathlin Island
	Ribble and Alt Estuaries
	Severn Estuary
	Solent and Southampton Water
	South Uist Machair and Lochs
	Stour and Orwell Estuaries
	Strangford Lough
	Tamar Estuaries Complex
	Thames Estuary and Marshes
	Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay
	The Dee Estuary
	The Swale
	The Wash
	Traeth Lafan/Lavan Sands, Conway Bay
	Upper Solway flats and Marshes
	Ynys Feurig, Cemlyn Bay and The Skerries
	Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch
	 Special areas of conservation with marine components in UK waters
	Aide, Ore and Butley Estuaries
	Ascrib, Isay and Dunvegan
	Bae Cemlyn/Cemlyn Bay
	Bann Estuary
	Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast
	Braunton Burrows
	Cardigan Bay/Bae Ceredigion
	Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries/Bae Caerfyrddin ac
	Aberoedd
	Chesil and the Fleet
	Culbin Bar
	Dee Estuary/Aber Dyfrdwy
	Dornoch Firth and Morrich More
	Drigg Coast
	Dungeness
	Eileanan agus Sgeiran Lios mór
	Essex Estuaries
	Fal and Helford
	Faray and Holm of Faray
	Firth of Lorn
	Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary
	Flamborough Head
	Glannau Môn: Cors heli/Angelsey Coast: Saltmarsh
	Humber Estuary
	Isle of May
	Isle of Portland to Studland Cliffs
	Isles of Scilly Complex
	Kenfig/Cynffig
	Limestone Coast of South West Wales/Arfordir
	Calchfaen de Orllewin Cymru
	Loch Creran
	Loch Moidart and Loch Shiel Woods
	Loch nam Madadh
	Loch of Stenness
	Loch Roag Lagoons
	Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs
	Luce Bay and Sands
	Lundy
	M�ine Mhr
	Minsmere to Walberswick Heaths and Marshes
	Monach Islands
	Moray Firth
	Morecambe Bay
	Mousa
	Murlough
	North Antrim Coast
	North Norfolk Coast
	North Rona
	North Uist Machair
	Obain Loch Euphoirt
	OrfordnessShingle Street
	Papa Stour
	Pembrokeshire Marine/Sir Benfro Forol
	Pen Llyn a'r Sarnau/Lleyn Peninsula and the Sarnau
	Plymouth Sound and Estuaries
	Rathlin Island
	Sanday
	Severn Estuary/Mr Hafren
	Sidmouth to West Bay
	Solent and Isle of Wight Lagoons
	Solent Maritime
	Solway Firth
	Sound of Arisaig (Loch Ailort to Loch Ceann Traigh)
	South Uist Machair
	South Wight Maritime
	South-East Islay Skerries
	St. Kilda
	Strangford Lough
	Sullom Voe
	Sunart
	Thanet Coast
	The Vadills
	The Wash and North Norfolk Coast
	Treshnish Isles
	Tweed Estuary
	Y Fenai a Bae Conwy/ Menai Strait and Conway Bay
	Yell Sound Coast
	 Marine nature reserves in UK waters
	Lundy
	Skomer
	Strangford Loch

Seas and Oceans: Environment Protection

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to bring forward a Marine Bill.

Jonathan R Shaw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 868W.

Seas and Oceans: Environment Protection

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects the Marine Strategy Directive to be implemented.

Jonathan R Shaw: The Marine Strategy Directive is currently being negotiated. Implementation will consist of:
	(i) transposition
	(ii) an initial assessment of the current state of the marine environment
	(iii) determination of the characteristics of good environmental status
	(iv) the establishment of environmental targets and monitoring programmes, and
	(v) the identification and implementation of measures to achieve good environmental status.
	The target dates for each of these steps are still being negotiated.

Seas and Oceans: Environment Protection

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government intends to extend the protected areas of UK seas with marine reserves, as proposed in the draft Marine Bill.

Jonathan R Shaw: The proposed Marine Bill will provide the necessary mechanisms to complete our network of marine protected areas (adding to our European sites), by allowing Marine Conservation Zones to be designated for features of national importance.
	Our nature conservation agencies are developing a scientific rationale for selecting sites and the design principles for a network of marine protected areas. We are keen to complete the network as soon as possible and have received a commitment from Natural England to enable a designated network of sites by 2012.

Trapping

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on the use of snares.

Joan Ruddock: The Government consider that where there is a need for wildlife management then the proper use of snares is one of a range of control methods. Used according to best practice, snares can be an effective and practical means of wildlife management and are needed where other forms of pest control are ineffective or impractical.
	The Government are committed to working to improve the legal use of snares. In 2005 DEFRA published its 'Snares Action Plan' and the 'Code of Good Practice on the use of Snares in Fox and Rabbit Control in England'. The DEFRA Code of Good Practice details the legal obligations for people using snares in England and emphasises the importance of weighing the possible risks to the welfare of wildlife against the need to capture pest animals. People choosing to use snares should be aware not only of their responsibilities under the law but also of these guidelines for good practice.

Water

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will rationalise the structure of those bodies responsible for surface water.

Phil Woolas: The Government are currently examining approaches to the management of surface water drainage. As part of the upcoming Government Water Strategy, Future Water, due to be published early in 2008, we will review the institutional arrangements for those bodies responsible for surface water. This work will take on board recommendations from Sir Michael Pitt's interim report on the summer's flooding due shortly and the 15 pilot projects we are funding to identify improvements to the management of urban drainage.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefits

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people between the ages of  (a) 18 to 25,  (b) 25 to 45 and  (c) 45 to 65 received incapacity benefit by cheque or benefit book in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(2)  how many people between the ages of  (a) 18 to 25,  (b) 25 to 45 and  (c) 45 to 65 received jobseeker's allowance payments by cheque or benefit book in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Plaskitt: The following table shows the number of people between the ages of  (a) 18 to 24  (b) 25 to 44 and  (c) 45 to 64 who receive incapacity benefit and jobseeker's allowance payments by cheque.
	Benefit books were phased out during 2003 to 2005 under the Payment Modernisation Programme. Direct Payment is now the normal method of payment, and 98 per cent. of our customers are paid this way.
	
		
			  Recipients paid by cheque  Age 18 to 24  Age 25 to 44  Age 45 to 64 
			 Incapacity benefit 2,690 12,480 14,230 
			 Jobseeker's allowance 24,000 25,740 6,920 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Figures are taken from the latest available data at 27 October 2007. 3. Figures only relate to accounts live and in payment in Great Britain on the specified date. 4. Incapacity benefit recipients include those receiving passported incapacity benefit (PIB).  Source:  DWP, Information Directorate.

Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission: Public Appointments

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what costs his Department incurred in recruiting the Chair designate of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.

James Plaskitt: I refer the hon. Member to my written statement of 25 July 2007,  Official Report, column 87WS. The breakdown of recruitment costs for individual posts is commercially confidential.

Child Support

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in introducing the new child support system; and when the system will apply to all the Child Support Agency's clients.

James Plaskitt: The first concrete steps in implementing our reforms have been taken, in the appointment of the Chair designate Janet Paraskeva, and in the announcement at the pre-Budget report of increases to the child maintenance disregard to 20 a week by the end of next year, and to 40 a week from April 2010.
	We set out the expected timetable for transition to the new system in the child maintenance White Paper A new system of child maintenance box 3.1 on page 54.
	The transfer of cases into a single system is expected to start in 2010-11 and take around three years. In 2012-13, all clients will be on a single set of rules managed by a single organisation.

Child Support Agency

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many uncleared applications are outstanding under the Child Support Agency's operational improvement plan.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 5 December 2007:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many uncleared applications were outstanding under the Operational Improvement Plan.
	The Agency has made significant progress in improving its service to clients and particularly in reducing the number of uncleared applications. In March 2005 there were a total of 319,000 uncleared applications, 226,000 of which were new scheme applications. At the end of September, at the halfway point of the Operational Improvement Plan, the Agency had reduced the number of uncleared applications to 162,000 of which 128,000 were new scheme applications.
	Further information can be found in Table 2.1 of the Child Support Agency Quarterly Summary of Statistics, a copy of which can be found in the House of Commons library or at the following link:
	www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/child_support/csa_quarterly_ sep07.asp
	I hope you find this answer helpful

Child Support Agency: Complaints

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the Child Support Agency (CSA) to implement the request by the Independent Case Examiner that the CSA should forward papers relating to the complaint by Mrs. Burton-Mortimer of Ferndown under ICE Ref No. CSA01227/07; and what the reason is for the time taken to respond to this request.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 26 November 2007
	The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 5 December 2007:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when the Child Support Agency (CSA) will implement the request by the Independent Case Examiner that the CSA should forward papers relating to the complaint by Mrs. Burton-Mortimer of Ferndown under ICE Ref No. CSA01227/07; and what the reason is for the time taken to respond to this request.
	As details about individual cases are confidential. I have written to you separately about this case.

Child Support Agency: ICT

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what planned expenditure is for new information technology systems and support for the Child Maintenance and Enforcements Commission in the first year of its operation.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available as the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission's expenditure on IT is commercially sensitive.

Children: Maintenance

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who were being dealt with by the Child Support Agency (CSA) but have made voluntary financial agreements and are no longer being dealt with by the CSA in the last five years.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 5 December 2007:
	In reply to your Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who were being dealt with by the Child Support Agency (CSA) but have made voluntary financial agreements and are no longer being dealt with by the CSA in the last five years.
	Information on the number of cases with Maintenance Direct as their preferred method of collection is provided in the attached table. These cases have been initially assessed by the Child Support Agency and both parents have come to an agreement that maintenance payments will be made directly without the further involvement of the Agency. These cases are still recorded by the Agency, and if their arrangement is not successful they may return to the Agency to have money collected via the Agency's Collection Service.
	In addition, some child maintenance applications may have been cancelled or withdrawn as a result of both parents coming to their own arrangements. The reason for a case being cancelled or withdrawn is not held on the Agency's management information, and therefore we cannot provide figures on the number of these cases which go on to make their own voluntary financial arrangement.
	It is also possible for parents with care who are not receiving benefit to come to their own arrangement without informing the Agency, meaning they are not recorded as Maintenance Direct cases. The most recent estimate is that there are currently around 500,000 voluntary arrangements in place that are made without any involvement of the Child Support Agency.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.
	
		
			  Number of cases where maintenance is due and Maintenance  Direct is the preferred method of collection 
			  Month  Maintenance Direct Cases 
			 September 2003 89,100 
			 September 2004 86,800 
			 September 2005 101,700 
			 September 2006 125,200 
			 September 2007 144,600 
			  Notes:(1)Includes all cases where maintenance is due and preferred method of collection is Maintenance Direct. (2)Figures are rounded to nearest 100.

Credit Unions

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which credit unions received funding from the Growth Fund in the last round of such funding.

James Plaskitt: The following organisations received funding in the latest Growth Fund procurement exercise. Since the Growth Fund began over 100 organisations have been contracted to deliver the Growth Fund affordable lending service.
	
		
			  Organisation  Location 
			 1st Alliance Credit Union Kilwinning, Ayrshire 
			 6 Towns Credit Union West Bromwich, West Midlands 
			   
			 BACUP Credit Union in conjunction with sub contractor: Bacup Lancashire 
			 HHH Credit Union Rossendale, Lancashire 
			 Derby Loans Group Community Development Finance Institution Rosehill Business Park Derby 
			   
			 Derwent  Solway Housing Association (DRAMA) in conjunction with sub contractors: Workington Cumbria 
			 Cleator Moor Credit Union Cleator Moor 
			 Whitehaven Credit Union Whitehaven, Cumbria 
			 Workington Credit Union Workington, Cumbria 
			 Millom Credit Union Millom, Cumbria 
			 Carlisle Credit Union Carlisle, Cumbria 
			 Maryport and North Allerdale Credit Union Maryport, West Cumbria 
			   
			 Erewash Credit Union Ilkeston, Derbyshire 
			 Glasgow Credit Union Glasgow 
			   
			 Ipswich  Suffolk Credit Union in conjunction with sub contractor: Ipswich Suffolk 
			 Norfolk Credit Union Long Stratten, Norfolk 
			   
			 Landsker Credit Union Narberth, Pembrokeshire 
			 Leicester Credit Union Leicester, East Midlands 
			 Manchester Credit Union Beswick, Manchester 
			 Maun Valley Credit Union Mansfield, Nottinghamshire 
			 M for Money Credit Union Hayes, Middlesex 
			 Preston Moneyline Community Development Finance Institution Preston, Lancashire 
			 Riverside Credit Union Speke, Liverpool 
			 Salford Moneyline Community Development Finance Institution Salford Manchester 
			 Sefton Credit Union Southport, Merseyside 
			   
			 South Coast Moneyline Community Development Finance Institution in conjunction with sub contractor: Portsmouth Hampshire 
			 Community First Credit Union Devizes, Wiltshire 
			   
			 Street UK Community Development Finance Institution Hockley, Birmingham 
			 Tees Credit Union Thornaby, Stockton on Tees 
			 Thames Bank Credit Union Hounslow, Middlesex 
			 Unify Credit Union Wigan, Greater Manchester

Departmental Vetting

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the Prime Minister's answer of 14 November 2007, on the immigration status of employees, what steps his Department has taken to establish the immigration status of its employees since the Security Industry Authority wrote to employers in August on security clearance.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions applies baseline security checks, which include a nationality and immigration status check, to all employees on entry to this Department. The checks form part of our standard recruitment process and are applied to all permanent, fixed term and casual employees.

Disability Living Allowance

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  under what circumstances elderly people who have received duplicate payments of disability living allowance and attendance allowance are not required to repay the overpayments;
	(2)  what mechanisms will be used to determine whether elderly people who have incorrectly received duplicate payments of disability living allowance and attendance allowance knew they were being overpaid;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the number of elderly people from whom duplicate payments of disability living allowance and attendance allowance will be recovered; and what value of duplicate payments is expected to be recovered;
	(4)  what means will be used to recover duplicate payments of disability living allowance and attendance allowance from elderly people.

James Plaskitt: The details of these overpayments were set out in the statement to the House on 15 November 2007.
	Given the circumstances of these overpayments, it is extremely unlikely that people would have clearly known that they were being overpaid. Consequently we do not anticipate that the question of recovery will arise in many cases, if at all.

Disability Living Allowance

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions further to the answer of 25 June 2007,  Official Report, column 505W, what formula is used to calculate each of the levels of disability living allowance.

Anne McGuire: The levels of disability living allowance are not calculated using a formula. Entitlement is determined by reference to the extent to which a severely disabled person requires personal care or supervision and/or has walking difficulties as a result of their disability.
	There are two rates of mobility component, lower and higher, and three rates of care component, lowest, middle and highest. Further information about entitlement to disability living allowance can be found on the Directgov website at
	www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_ 10011731.

Government Equalities Office: Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from the Government Equalities Office in each year since 1997; which organisations' staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

Barbara Follett: The Government Equalities Office (GEO) came into existence on 26 July 2007 and became a stand alone Government Department on the 18 October 2007.
	Staff transferred to the GEO from the Department of Communities and Local Government under the terms of the Transfer of Functions Order 12 October 2007. There are currently no secondments into, or out of the GEO.

Incapacity Benefits

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 6-8WS, on next steps to full employment, what his definition is of key out-of-work benefits.

James Plaskitt: The key out-of-work benefits for people of working age are: jobseekers allowance; incapacity benefit; severe disablement allowance; income support for lone parents; pension credit for men aged 60 to 64; and other income support cases excluding carers allowance cases.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people on jobseeker's allowance who have been away from home  (a) within the United Kingdom and  (b) abroad without informing Jobcentre Plus in the last 12 months.

James Plaskitt: Jobseeker's allowance (JSA) regulations, which govern the payment of JSA, state that to receive JSA the jobseeker must be in Great Britain. Therefore when a jobseeker goes abroad on holiday JSA is not payable, nor credit of national insurance contributions awarded, for the period they are away.
	Holidays taken within Great Britain are allowed provided the jobseeker remains available and actively seeking employment for the duration of the holiday. There is however, a concession within the regulations which allows jobseekers to be treated as actively seeking employment for two weeks in a 12 month period. This needs to be agreed in advance with the Jobcentre before the holiday commences. There is no limit to the number of weeks a jobseeker can be away from home but usually if the holiday exceeds four weeks the Jobcentre would advise the jobseeker to make a claim in the area they are staying in.
	Information is not available on how many people failed to notify Jobcentre Plus that they were going on holiday, either in GB or abroad.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Terry Rooney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  whether jobseeker's allowance regulations allow claimants to refuse a job offer if they are unable to find suitable affordable child care;
	(2)  whether jobseeker's allowance claimants are exempt from available and actively seeking work requirements  (a) during school holidays,  (b) during periods of a child's exclusion from school and  (c) when a child is sick and unable to attend school.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 3 December 2007
	Jobseekers allowance regulations do not allow for the refusal of a job offer by a claimant who is unable to find suitable affordable child care as a prescribed reason.
	All jobseekers must be available and actively seeking work to receive jobseeker's allowance. There are easements in regulations that allow for caring responsibilities. These include: changing their pattern of availability during school holidays; limiting availability to a minimum of 16 hours and; being treated as available and actively seeking work if there is a domestic emergency. Each case is judged on its own merit and all the available evidence is considered in reaching a decision.
	The impact of these measures and how they can best be tailored to lone parents were considered in our Green Paper In work, better off: next steps to full employment and in the subsequent consultation on its proposals. We will be responding to these in our White Paper response.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Industrial Disputes

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people who receive (a) jobseeker's allowance and  (b) incapacity benefits who would be affected by proposed strikes within his Department.

James Plaskitt: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 5 December 2007:
	The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to reply direct to your question on the number of people receiving (a) Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and (b) Incapacity Benefits (IB) who would be affected by the proposed strikes within his Department. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus has robust and proven contingency arrangements in place for continued service to our customers, during periods of industrial action.
	I hope this is helpful.

National Insurance: Foreign Workers

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will institute procedures so that foreign workers have to register with the worker registration scheme before they are issued with a national insurance number.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 13 November 2007
	The Workers Registration Scheme (WRS) was introduced to monitor the impact of A8 migration on the UK labour market. It does not extend to people from the A2 nations or other foreign nationals.
	We have no plans to institute procedures so that foreign workers have to register with the WRS before they are issued with a national insurance number (NINO).
	NINOs are only issued to foreign workers coming to work in the UK who can prove that they have a right to do so. Many NINO applicants with a legitimate right to work choose to apply for a NINO before starting workand are able to prove their right to do so using Home Office specified documentary evidence. Early provision of a NINO can facilitate the prompt deduction and recording of tax and national insurance contributions and is advantageous to both the employer and employee.
	WRS registration can only take place after an A8 worker finds employment. So, whilst some A8 nationals do register on the WRS before applying for a NINO, it is not a pre-condition to the allocation of a NINO.

Older Workers

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his most recent estimate is of the percentage of economically active people aged between 50 years and state pension age who  (a) have a health problem and are educated to degree level or higher,  (b) have a health problem and are educated to GCSE or A-Level,  (c) have a health problem and have other or no qualifications,  (d) do not have a health problem and are educated to degree level or higher,  (e) who do not have a health problem and are educated to GCSE or A Level and  (f) who do not have a health problem and who have other or no qualifications.

Anne McGuire: The information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Proportion of economically active people, aged 50-state pension age, broken down by education attainment and whether they have a long-term health problem 
			  Percentage 
			   Health problem lasting  more than 12 months  No health problem  lasting more than 12  months 
			 Degree or higher 10.0 20.3 
			 GCSE or A level 14.5 25.6 
			 Other or no qualification 11.8 17.8 
			  Source: Labour Force Survey, quarter 3 2007, using variables 'HIQUAL5D' to assess qualification attainment and 'LNGLIM' which asks whether the respondent has a health problem lasting more than 12 months 
		
	
	The Labour Force Survey is a sample survey covering over 53,000 households in the United Kingdom. As with any sample survey, estimates from the Labour Force Survey are subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Social Security Benefits

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the percentage of people aged between 50 and 69 years who were claiming  (a) jobseeker's allowance,  (b) new deal 50 plus and  (c) new deal 25 plus in (i) spring 2001, (ii) spring 2002, (iii) spring 2003, (iv) spring 2004, (v) spring 2005, (vi) spring 2006 and (vii) spring 2007, broken down by gender.

Caroline Flint: Jobseeker's allowance can be claimed only up to the age of 65 by men and up to the age of 60 by women.
	The available information on the percentage of people claiming jobseeker's allowance (JSA) as a proportion of the working age population aged between 50 and state pension age, broken down by gender, in the requested time series, is in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of people aged 50 to state pension age who were jobseeker's allowance (JSA) claimants 
			  Month ending May:  All  Male  Female 
			 2001 1.8 2.3 1.1 
			 2002 1.8 2.3 1.1 
			 2003 1.8 2.3 1.1 
			 2004 1.6 2.1 1.0 
			 2005 1.5 1.9 1.0 
			 2006 1.7 2.1 1.1 
			 2007 1.6 1.9 1.1 
			  Notes: 1. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place. 2. Percentage population figures have been calculated using the appropriate year apart from 2007 where 2006 population estimates have been used.  Source:  Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems ONS, Population Estimates Unit. 
		
	
	New deal 25 plus and new deal 50 plus are employment programmes to support people into work, not something which people claim.
	People aged 25-59 claiming JSA or national insurance credits for 18 out of last 21 months are mandated to all aspects of new deal 25 plus. Men aged between 60 and state pension age who have been claiming JSA or national insurance (NI) credits for 18 out of the last 21 months are only required to attend the Gateway stage of new deal 25 plus but can volunteer for other aspects of the programme.
	A woman cannot be mandated to new deal 25 plus beyond the current female state pension age. Prior to the 1 June 2007, people aged 50 plus who had been claiming JSA or NI credits were mandated to the Gateway stage only of new deal 25 plus. Disadvantaged customers may have early entry to new deal 25 plus at the discretion of their new deal adviser.
	New deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme for people who have been claiming a qualifying benefit for at least six months. The programme is also open to those whose partner has been claiming an increase in benefit for them for at least six months.
	The available information on the percentage of participants on new deal 25 plus and new deal 50 plus as a proportion of the working age population aged between 50 and state pension age, broken down by gender, in the requested time series, is in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage of people aged 50 to state pensions age who were new deal 25 plus and new deal 50 plus participants 
			   New deal 25 plus  New deal 50 plus 
			  As at May  each year  Total  Male  Female  Total  Male  Female 
			 2001 0.1 0.1 0.0
			 2002 0.1 0.2 0.1
			 2003 0.1 0.2 0.1
			 2004 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 
			 2005 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.6 0.3 
			 2006 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.6 0.7 0.4 
			 2007 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.8 0.5 
			  Notes:  1. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place. 2. New deal 25 plus started in July 1998; new deal 50 plus started in April 2000. 3. Data on the number of people participating on the new deal 50 plus caseload are only available from January 2004. 4. Age is calculated at the point of joining the programme. 5. Percentage population figures have been calculated using the appropriate year apart from 2007 where 2006 population estimates have been used. 6. Data exclude people above state pension age but people above this age can participate on a voluntary basis on new deal 25 plus and new deal 50 plus providing they are in receipt of the pension credit.  Source: Information Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions ONS, Population Estimates Unit

Social Security Benefits

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the rate of increase was of  (a) the basic state pension,  (b) jobseeker's allowance and  (c) incapacity benefit in each year since 1997.

James Plaskitt: The answer is in the following table.
	
		
			  Rate of increase in the basic state pension, jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit 1997-2007 
			   Percentage increase over previous rate 
			   Basic state pension  Jobseeker's allowance  Incapacity benefit 
			 1997 2.1 1.9 2.1 
			 1998 3.6 2.4 3.6 
			 1999 3.2 2.1 3.2 
			 2000 1.1 1.6 1.1 
			 2001 7.4 1.6 3.3 
			 2002 4.1 1.7 1.7 
			 2003 2.6 1.3 1.7 
			 2004 2.8 1.8 2.8 
			 2005 3.1 1.0 3.1 
			 2006 2.7 2.2 2.7 
			 2007 3.6 3.0 3.6 
			  Source: Department for Work and Pensions Abstract of Statistics 2006 and Uprating Order 2007

Social Security Benefits: Chronically Sick

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the merits of providing financial support to terminally ill people without an estate, next of kin or life insurance to allow them to make personal arrangements for their funerals.

James Plaskitt: The Department does not provide financial support to people to assist them in making arrangements for their own funerals. The purpose of the funeral payment scheme is to assist the person who has taken responsibility for arranging the funeral where the person who has died has not made provision. Although the scheme is kept under review there are no plans to make fundamental changes to the Funeral Payments scheme to provide financial assistance to people for arranging their own funeral.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Africa: Peacekeeping Operations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1035W, on Africa: peacekeeping operations, when the UN Department for Peacekeeping Operations will complete its pre-deployment assessment for the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission to Darfur.

Meg Munn: The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) is carrying out pre-deployment assessment visits in November and December to countries that have offered troops. We understand that the visits will be completed by 5 December and that the DPKO will prepare reports for further consultation with the countries concerned.

Bosnia: Embassies

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are for the Office of High Representative in Bosnia-Herzegovina to be closed and its responsibilities and authorities, including the Bonn powers, to be fully transferred to the EU and exercised through the EUSR.

David Miliband: The Peace Implementation Committee (PIC) Steering Board, of which the UK is a member, has stated that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) will remain in place and continue to carry out its mandate under the Dayton Peace Agreement. While the aim of the PIC is OHR closure by 30 June 2008, this will clearly need to be reviewed in light of the situation on the ground and, in particular, whether BiH's political leaders are overcoming ethnic divisions and history to move BiH forward. The PIC will review the situation again at its meeting in February 2008.

Bosnia: Politics and Government

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress made in  (a) (i) police, (ii) military and (iii) judicial reform,  (b) disarmament,  (c) refugee return,  (d) human rights guarantees and  (e) protection of cultural and religious monuments in Bosnia-Herzegovina since the Dayton Peace Accords in November 1995.

Jim Murphy: Over the last 12 years there has been significant progress in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). There has been a transition from conflict to stability; free elections held across the country on seven occasions; over 1 million returns of refugees and internally displaced persons; membership of the Partnership For Peace; and significant defence reforms. Nonetheless, important challenges remain, including in the areas highlighted in the hon. Member's question.
	BiH urgently needs to bring its policing into line with European and international standards. This is essential if the country is to establish and maintain the rule of law. The EU police mission refocused its priorities in early 2006 to concentrate on the process of police reform and building capacity to tackle organised crime. Agreement on police restructuring is a key condition for the conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU. The politicisation of the police reform issue has obstructed the work of the Directorate for Police Restructuring and thus far prevented agreement on a way forward. The UK remains closely involved in trying to facilitate cross party political agreement. Progress on judicial reform has been reasonable, but implementation of a National Justice Sector Reform Strategy remains a priority. Defence reform is progressing well.
	BiH continues to make mixed progress on human rights. There is still a need to resolve outstanding issues from the 1992-95 conflict and ensure the sustainable return of displaced persons. BiH's co-operation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia improved in 2007. The Republika Srpska authorities assisted in the arrest of Zdravko Tolimir (one of the six high-profile indictees who remained at large at the start of 2007, wanted for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity) in May 2007. BiH has established a State Commission for the Preservation of National monuments. The UK supported the building of a memorial room near the site of the Srebrenica massacre, which opened in July 2007. We hope this will serve as a moving memorial to the victims.

Bosnia: Politics and Government

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the  (a) political and  (b) security situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

David Miliband: holding answer 4 December 2007
	 We have been concerned over the recent deterioration of the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and in particular the increased level of ethnic nationalistic political rhetoric. We are urging politicians from all sides to ensure the efficient operation of state institutions and to take forward reforms which are necessary for BiH and its EU perspective. We fully support High Representative Lajcak and have also been urging all parties to uphold their obligations to respect and implement his decisions. Despite recent political tensions the security situation within BiH remains stable.

British Overseas Territories: Nature Conservation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government intends to take to attempt to increase the number of critically endangered animal species in UK Overseas Territories.

Meg Munn: The Government recognise the importance of protecting endangered species in the Overseas Territories and is working with the Overseas Territories to achieve this, through funding for programmes and projects and the provision of technical support.
	There are a number of Government funded programmes that contribute to the protection of endangered species in the Overseas Territories. Programmes include:
	The Overseas Territories Environment Programme (OTEP), a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development funded programme, makes available approximately 1 million a year to assist the Overseas Territories with the implementation of their Environment Charters. The Charters include a list of commitments agreed by the Government and individual Overseas Territory governments to support sustainable use of environmental resources in the Overseas Territories. Among these are the protection and restoration of key habitats and species and support for general environmental management including protection of endangered species. OTEP has funded a feasibility study on Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island on the eradication of rodents to safeguard the Albatross and the Gough Bunting. The results of the study are expected in March 2008. Funding has also been provided this year to produce a management plan for Steeple Jason Island in the Falkland Islands aimed at better management and protection of Albatross and Petrels from outside influences including visitors and non-native invasive plants and animals.
	The Darwin Initiative is a Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) funded programme that contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of the world's biodiversity, including protection of endangered species. UK experts work with local communities and organisations to help countries rich in biodiversity but who, through lack of resources, are unable to meet their obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The Initiative has funded 13 projects totalling around 1.5 million in the Overseas Territories since it was launched in 1992. Projects have included the Montserrat Centre Hills and the Cayman Island In Ivan's Wake projects to put in place measures and legislation to protect and safeguard their native flora and fauna and endangered species.
	DEFRA also pay an annual subscription of 36,000 to the Agreement for the Conservation of Albatross and Petrels (ACAP) Secretariat. DEFRA has also agreed to co-fund, with OTEP and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the establishment of an ACAP Co-ordinator for the Falkland Islands and the South Atlantic Overseas Territories. The co-ordinator will be responsible for ensuring up to date information concerning Albatross and Petrel populations in the South Atlantic Overseas Territories is fed into the ACAP Secretariat for dissemination to other interested parties.
	The Flagship Species Fund, administered by Fauna and Flora International, an international conservation charity supported by DEFRA has made approximately 100,000 a year available since 2002 to provide practical support for the conservation of endangered species and their habitats in developing countries, including in the Overseas Territories. The Flagship Species Fund provided 21,800 to support a project to eradicate rodents on Eagle Island in the British Indian Ocean Territory to safeguard native birds and turtles. DEFRA has allocated 75,000 to the Flagship Species Fund for 2008-09.

Cuba: Politics and Government

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the  (a) level of corruption,  (b) human rights situation and  (c) government policy on homosexuality in Cuba.

Meg Munn: Our assessment reveals that respect for human rights falls far below international standards. Of particular concern to us are the high numbers of political prisoners, violation of civil, political and economic rights and continued government repression of dissidents. Further information on our views of the human rights situation can be found in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's annual human rights report. A copy of the most recent report can be found in the Library of the House.
	Transparency International rated Cuba 10 out of 32 in the Americas in its 2007 corruption survey. The Cuban government is aware of the risks of corruption and take active measures to counter it. The Government supports this aim and indeed a Government representative attended an international anti-corruption conference in Havana in November 2007.
	Our assessment of Cuban government policy on homosexuality is positive overall. The Cuban National Center for Sex Education is a government funded body which advocates tolerance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues on the island and which has recently proposed legislation on some of these issues.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions on security and long-term stability took place at the recent meeting in Washington of the Great Lakes Contact Group.

Meg Munn: The International Contact Group on the Great Lakes met on 16 November. Topics for discussion included: the international community's response to the communiqu signed in Nairobi on 9 November by the Governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda and support for those countries in fulfilling their commitments; strategies to defeat the armed groups operating in eastern DRC; the renewal of the mandate for the UN peacekeeping force; security sector reform in DRC; and the UN arms embargo on DRC. All of these issues directly affect security and stability in the Great Lakes region.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking in co-operation with their EU partners to prevent an escalation of conflict in the Great Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of Congo following the ACP-EU joint parliamentary meeting earlier this month.

Meg Munn: The UK and our partners have regularly urged the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to find a political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. The EU's special representative was involved in the negotiations which led to the joint DRC-Rwandan communiqu signed in Nairobi on 9 November, a potentially important step towards peace in the region. The DRC has agreed to produce a detailed plan of action for both countries to follow on 1 December. We, and our international partners, will encourage them to fulfil the commitments they make.
	The African, Caribbean and pacific-EU joint parliamentary meeting resulted in a resolution urging that those guilty of atrocities in eastern DRC be held to account for their actions. EU ambassadors have recently lobbied the DRC Minster for Foreign Affairs to ask for proceedings relating to the death of the human rights defender Serge Maheshe to resume. The EU also leads a project to promote reform of the security sector in DRC. One of its aims is to improve discipline and accountability among members of the armed forces. The UK is active on the issue of sexual violence in DRC, and staff from our Embassy and the Department for International Development office in Kinshasa have lobbied the government and carried out other initiatives targeted at this problem, including work to promote justice and reduce impunity.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Government

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the security situation in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The Government are gravely concerned at the situation in North Kivu, which has severe humanitarian consequences, hinders development and has the potential to undermine peace and stability in the region. It has led to around 375,000 people being displaced since December 2006 and a widespread problem of brutal sexual violence and other atrocities.
	The UK is committed to finding a lasting solution to the violence. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, Lord Malloch-Brown, and other Ministers have spoken with President Kabila recently, urging the Congolese Government to continue to look for a political solution to the problems affecting the east of the country. We are closely engaged with our international partners in efforts to bring the violence to an end.

Departmental Data Protection

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to review how his Department transports data; and whether his Department uses TNT to transport data.

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many breaches of the Data Protection Act 1998 requiring investigation there have been in the last five years in his Department; what the nature of such breaches were; and what the results of the investigations were in each case.

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many confirmed data security breaches there have been in his Department in the last 36 months; and what action was taken after each occurrence.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Members to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Visits Abroad

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on overnight accommodation for Ministers overseas in the last year.

Meg Munn: Details of the cost of overseas travel, including the cost of travel and accommodation are contained in the Overseas Travel by Cabinet Ministers list. The latest list for the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007 was published on 25 July 2007. Details for the 2007-08 financial year will be published as soon as possible after the end of the financial year. All travel is made in accordance with the Ministerial Code.

Embassies

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is his policy that the Office of the High Representative and the related Bonn powers should continue in their present form beyond June 2008.

David Miliband: The Peace Implementation Committee (PIC) Steering Board, of which the UK is a member, has stated that the Office of the High Representative (OHR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) will remain in place and continue to carry out its mandate under the Dayton Peace Agreement. While the aim of the PIC is OHR closure by 30 June 2008, this will clearly need to be reviewed in light of the situation on the ground and, in particular, whether BiH's political leaders are overcoming ethnic divisions and history to move BiH forward. The PIC will review the situation again at its meeting in February 2008.

Entry Clearances

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of removing the requirement for interviews by entry clearance officers of visa applicants on UK security; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: There has never been a requirement to interview all visa applicants. The entry clearance officer may call an applicant for an interview based on a risk assessment of the case. All applications are subject to rigorous scrutiny based on risk profiling, document verification and the use of information, to give us a robust control.

Entry Clearances

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many complaints his Department has received about the visa application services provided by Worldbridge Services.

Meg Munn: The following table displays the total number of complaints recorded by UKvisas, on their Overseas Complaints Register, about the visa application services provided by WorldBridge Services from 1 July to 30 September 2007 (the first Visa Application Centres provided by WorldBridge Services commenced operations on 1 July 2007).
	
		
			  Visa Application Centres (VACs)  Complaints 
			 Algiers 0 
			 Amman 0 
			 Belgrade 0 
			 Cairo (includes a micro VAC in Alexandria) 1 
			 Dusseldorf (includes micro VACs in Berlin and Munich) 29 
			 Geneva (includes a micro VAC in Zurich) 8 
			 Kingston 3 
			 Paris (includes micro VACs in Bordeaux and Marseille) 3 
			 Rome 4 
			 Rio de Janeiro (includes micro VACs in Sao Paulo and Brasilia) 0

Entry Clearances

Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the  (a) target time and  (b) average time was for the processing of visa applications provided by Worldbridge Services in the latest period for which figures are available.

Meg Munn: The UKvisas commercial partner, WorldBridge Services, is required to process all visa applications submitted to their visa application centres (VACs) on the day of receipt. WorldBridge Services must then deliver these applications to UK visa sections overnight, between close of play on the day of receipt and the opening for business of the UK visa sections the following working day. WorldBridge Services are meeting this contractual commitment 99 per cent. of the time.
	The average time WorldBridge Services takes to collect the required biometrics from an applicant at one of their VACs and to process their application is 48 minutes. The average time taken for the whole visa application process for applicants using a VAC administered by WorldBridge Services is 5.6 days. This starts from the time the applicant books an appointment at the VAC to the return of their documents once their application has been assessed.

European Union: Defence

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on a defence capabilities charter for the EU.

Jim Murphy: As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary said in the House on 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1096W our objective is to enhance the separate defence capabilities of European nations. We are therefore encouraging partners to develop the deployable, interoperable and sustainable forces required for current and likely future operations. These capabilities would be available for, and enhance, collective multilateral crisis interventions, including those delivered through the EU, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation or the UN.

Gabon: Diplomatic Service

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will appoint a UK Honorary Consul to Gabon in order to  (a) represent UK interests and  (b) provide consular services.

Meg Munn: The UK's Honorary Consul to Gabon, David Harwood, has been in post since May 1996. (Further details are available on the website for our High Commission in Yaounde: www.briteam.org).
	Honorary Consuls are primarily appointed to help provide an accessible and responsive service to British nationals abroad, particularly in difficult to reach locations. They provide information and assistance to British nationals who get into difficulties overseas and can play a commercial role, depending on local circumstances, their expertise and the requirements of the High Commissioner.

Gaza: Airports

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had on the Yasser Arafat International Airport in the Gaza Strip on his recent visit to the Middle East.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not discuss the Yasser Arafat International Airport during his recent visit to Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Egypt from 17-20 November.
	Under the UK presidency, the EU led in negotiations with the parties and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, to agree the Agreement on Movement and Access which was signed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority in November 2005. Discussions on the airport form part of the agreement which has stalled following the election of Hamas in January 2006. The Government continue to call on both the Israelis and the Palestinians to implement the agreement.
	At this difficult time in Gaza the urgent priorities are to ensure sufficient and regular supplies to meet the basic needs of Gaza's 1.4 million people and to re-open external trade. However, in the longer term, establishing reliable access to the outside world will be essential for sustainable economic development, poverty reduction and a viable Palestinian state.

Gaza: Overseas Aid

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he plans to take to try to increase the amount of UN humanitarian aid in food and medicines being made available to the people of Gaza.

Kim Howells: The Government remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza. My right hon. Friends the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for International Development made a statement on 30 October detailing our concerns. The full text of the statement can be found at:
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPagec=Pagecid=1007029391629a=KArticleaid=1193597605085year=2007month=2007-10-01
	There is a pressing need to overcome the obstacles to re-opening Gaza's crossings, for humanitarian goods, trade and people. The UN Secretary-General is focussed on this issue and we are supporting his efforts. The EU has called
	on all parties to work towards an opening of the crossings in and out of Gaza.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, during his 17-20 November visit to the region.

Gaza: Overseas Aid

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to press for more people, food and medicines to be enabled on humanitarian grounds to pass through the crossing points out of and into Gaza.

Kim Howells: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave him today (UIN 170723).

Government Hospitality Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the operating costs were of the Government Hospitality Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine in 2006-07; and how many full-time equivalent staff support the committee.

Meg Munn: The operating costs of the Government Hospitality Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine amounted to approximately 8,024 for financial year 2006-07. One Foreign and Commonwealth Office official, the Head of Government Hospitality, is Secretary to the Committee, spending approximately 10 to 15 per cent. of their time on support for the Committee and managing the Government cellar.

Illegal Immigrants

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many illegal immigrants have been discovered working for his Department and its agencies in the last year for which figures are available.

Meg Munn: There are no cases of which we are aware of illegal immigrants who have been discovered working for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the last year. There is one individual currently being investigated by the police relating to a previous period.

Indian Subcontinent: Nuclear Disarmament

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what forum he expects to discuss a framework for nuclear disarmament with  (a) India,  (b) Pakistan and  (c) Israel; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The United Kingdom discusses nuclear disarmament with India, Pakistan and Israel in various fora, including the Conference for Disarmament in Geneva and at the UN. We also attach great importance to the universalisation of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and continue to call on all three states to join the treaty as non-nuclear weapon states.

Iran: Human Rights

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of Iran's human rights record, with particular reference to the treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and if he will hold discussions with his international counterparts to seek an end to persecution on the grounds of sexuality in Iran.

Kim Howells: I am deeply concerned by Iran's deteriorating human rights record. On 20 November, in a powerful demonstration of international concern, the UN General Assembly's Third Committee voted in favour of a resolutionco-sponsored by the EUexpressing deep concern at the human rights situation in Iran. We remain concerned about the treatment of all minority groups in Iran, including discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Homosexuality is illegal by law and the death penalty remains on the books for consenting same sex relations, but we are not aware of any executions for this in recent years. However, the situation for transgender individuals is more positive: Iran has the second highest number of sex-change operations in the world and government grants are available for operations and hormone therapy.
	Disappointingly, Iran has persistently refused to engage in a human rights dialogue with the EU and has failed to address international concerns about human rights in Iran. But we continue to work hard with international partners to urge Iran to fulfil its human rights commitments and to improve their human rights record.

Iraq: Foreign Workers

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 November 2007,  Official Report, column 363W, on Iraq: foreign workers, how many third country nationals are eligible to receive a package of financial payment to aid resettlement; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Third country nationals are not eligible for any of the forms of assistance set out in my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's written ministerial statement of 30 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 30-33WS which are offered to Iraqi nationals only.

Israel: Travel Restrictions

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the government of Israel on their refusal last month of permission to Raji Sourani, Director of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, to travel to meet Tony Blair.

Kim Howells: The Government have made no representation to the Government of Israel on this issue. We have repeatedly raised our concerns about movement and access with the Government of Israel. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this issue on his recent visit to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories on 17 and 19 November.

Kosovo

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Serbian counterpart on statements by Prime Minister Kostunica linking a Kosovo settlement to the future of the entity of Republika Sprska.

David Miliband: I discussed regional security issues, including Kosovo, with my Serbian counterpart in London on 5 December. Our ambassador in Belgrade, together with representatives of the Embassies of the United States, France, Germany and Italy, met with the Serb Foreign Minister Jeremic to register our concern about the statements made by Prime Minister Kostunica linking a Kosovo settlement to the future of the Republika Sprska. We, along with other EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation countries, have made it clear to the Serbian authorities that such statements are not conducive to stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Kosovo

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which provisions of UN Resolution 1244 on Kosovo permit the formation of an independent Kosovo.

Meg Munn: UN Security Council Resolution 1244 leaves Kosovo within Serbia pending the outcome of a political process to determine Kosovo's final status. The nature of that outcome is not constrained in any way by Security Council Resolution 1244.

Languages

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his staff are receiving language training under the new outsourcing arrangement after the closure of his Department's Diplomatic Service Language Centre on 2 October, broken down by language taught.

David Miliband: The new outsourcing arrangement came into effect on 6 November. Since then 11 Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff have been trained under the new arrangements. The details are provided as follows:
	
		
			  Language  Number of staff 
			 French 6 
			 Thai 1 
			 Mandarin 2 
			 Korean 1 
			 Japanese 1

Morocco: Entry Clearances

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the target processing time is for non-straightforward visa applications for Moroccan nationals; and what the average processing time was for such applications in the last 12 months.

Meg Munn: Non-settlement visa applications are categorised as straightforward or non-straightforward. The UKvisas public service agreement (PSA) target is 90 per cent. of non-settlement applications requiring further inquiries (i.e. non-straightforward applications) to be processed within 15 working days.
	The average processing time of these applications for Moroccan nationals in the last 12 months for which figures are available (October 2006 to October 2007) was eight working days.
	Settlement visas are not categorised as straightforward or non-straightforward. The PSA target for these applications is assessment or interview within 12 weeks.

Russia: Elections

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British election monitors will be in Russia to monitor the forthcoming Parliamentary elections representing  (a) the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and  (b) the Council of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 3 December 2007
	 There were no election monitors from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) specialist election monitoring agency, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, present during the parliamentary elections. Members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly did observe the election, but no British parliamentarians were among them. 51 members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, including three British parliamentarians, also observed the election.

Russia: Elections

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the treatment of the opposition parties in Russia in the run up to the Russian Parliamentary elections.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 3 December 2007
	 In line with the EU presidency's statement on 27 November, which expressed concern at Russia's heavy-handed action towards those taking part in rallies against the Russian Government, the Government consider that the right to peaceful protest and adherence to the rule of law are two vitally important components of any democratic process. We hope that all parties concerned will continue to bear these principles in mind in the run-up to the presidential elections.

Russia: Fascism

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on the prevalence of the neo-Nazi movement in Russia.

Jim Murphy: Racism and xenophobia are of growing concern in Russia. Neo-Nazi banners were displayed during the recent nationalist marches on the Day of National Unity. According to the Moscow Human Rights Bureau, more than 170 xenophobia-related attacks and conflicts were registered in the Russian Federation in the first nine months of 2007, resulting in the deaths of 51 people.
	The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) supports projects worth more than 120,000, designed to address religious and ethnic discrimination in Russia, including strengthening the capacities of state officials, law enforcement officers, human rights non-governmental organisations, ethnic communities, and mass media to combat xenophobia, extremism and ethnic conflicts.
	The most recent FCO annual report on human rights covers our concerns on racism and xenophobia in Russia in detail. We discussed ethnic tension and racism with the Russian Government during the most recent UK-Russia bilateral human rights consultations.

Seychelles: Capital Punishment

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Seychelles Government on the recent United Nations General Assembly resolution vote on the death penalty moratorium.

Meg Munn: In November 2007 we, through our high commission in Victoria, lobbied the Seychelles Government to support the draft resolution and act as a co-sponsor. The resolution was subsequently adopted by the UN General Assembly Third Committee on 15 November. Ultimately, the Seychelles did not act as co-sponsor, or indeed vote, and our high commissioner will take this up with the Seychelles Government.

Somalia: Politics and Government

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Somalia, with particular regard to the length of time Ethiopian forces are expected to remain there.

Meg Munn: The appointment of new Prime Minister, Nur Hassan Hussein on 24 November has given new hope and a renewed opportunity for the Somali Government to pursue political reconciliation and a peaceful future for their country by implementing the conclusions of the National Reconciliation Congress and delivering a new constitution and elections, as part of the transitional process.
	The UK will work with the Somali President and Prime Minister, the UN special representative of the Secretary-General, the International Contact Group, the European Union and the UN Security Council to help the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to successfully deliver the transitional period.
	The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia continues due to ongoing insurgency against the Government. Ethiopia has said that it wants to withdraw from Somalia as soon as it is possible to do so without leaving a security vacuum. The UK believes that progress on political reconciliation will improve the security situation and enable Ethiopian withdrawal to take place.

Sudan: Aviation

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of  (a) the feasibility of establishing and  (b) the means of enforcing a no-fly zone over Darfur, Sudan; what his policy is on the matter; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: We are working with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the African Union, the Government of Sudan and international partners for the prompt deployment of an effective UN-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to improve stability and security in the region. This has been the priority since UN Security Council Resolution 1769 was passed on 31 July mandating the UNAMID force.
	Among other activities, we hope that UNAMID will improve monitoring of military activity in Darfur. Before considering any additional measures, we would need to assess the logistical challenges of implementation and their impact on humanitarian efforts.
	We welcome the recent cessation of hostilities that the Government of Sudan announced at the start of peace talks on 27 October. We are pressing all parties to sign up to a cessation of hostilities with immediate effect and to engage on the peace process.

Sudan: Law

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the application of Sharia law to  (a) Christians and  (b) foreigners in Sudan.

Meg Munn: The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of January 2005 stipulates that Sharia law does not apply in Southern Sudan. Under the terms of the CPA, a commission has been set up to protect the rights of non-Muslims in the national capital, Khartoum, where there is a concentration of migrants from Southern Sudan.
	The UK is monitoring this issue closely because of reports that non-Muslims have been subject to arrest for not complying with Sharia law. The right to religious freedom is enshrined in the Interim National Constitution of Sudan, which came into force in 2005.

Sudan: Peace Negotiations

Andrew Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to encourage rebel groups to implement a ceasefire and engage in the negotiation of a political settlement to the conflict in Darfur, Sudan.

Meg Munn: We have spoken to those rebels who attended the start of Darfur peace talks in Libya on 27 October and the representatives of the key rebel movements based in the UK making clear the importance we attach to rebel unification and participation in the political process. The UK has committed 1 million to support the African Union (AU) and UN Joint Mediation Support Team, which is currently focused on encouraging the rebel movements to unify further and agree on common platforms.
	The UK welcomed the government of Sudan's announcement of a cessation of hostilities at the start of the talks, which must be extended now to rebels and honoured by all parties to the conflict. The UK is supporting the AU/UN to ensure that any new cessation of hostilities agreement can be effectively monitored on the ground. Only a political process can provide a sustainable solution to the Darfur conflict.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking in co-operation with their international partners to ensure that all rebel group leaders in Darfur attend the next set of peace progress negotiations.

Meg Munn: The UK is supporting the African Union and UN-led Darfur political process. This mediation effort is currently focused on encouraging the rebel movements to unify further and agree on common platforms ahead of negotiations. Along with our international partners, including the US and France, we have pressed the rebel movements to engage fully in the political process and agree to a cessation of hostilities. We have made clear publicly and directly to the rebel movements that there will be consequences for any party that seeks to obstruct the political process.

Vietnam: Oppression

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Vietnamese Government on the arrest of more than 40 democracy activists, opposition party members and union leaders in Vietnam during the last 15 months.

Meg Munn: We are concerned at the arrest and sentencing of several peaceful human rights defenders in Vietnam who have been charged with 'conducting propaganda' against the state. We, along with our EU partners, have made numerous representations to the Vietnamese authorities on this issue.
	On 15 May, the EU issued a statement expressing its concern about the current situation and calling on the Vietnamese Government to release all non-violent political activists who have simply exercised their rights to freedom of expression and association.
	I raised our concerns on human rights with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister at the Association of South East Asian Nations summit in Singapore on 23 November and with the Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to London on 29 November. Additionally, I raised the issue with the Vietnamese ambassador on 9 October and with the charg d'affaires on 25 July. My right hon. Friend the then Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mr. McCartney) raised our concerns with the Vietnamese Vice-Minister Le Cung Phung during the EU/Association of South East Asian Nations Ministerial meeting in Nuremburg on 14-15 March. He also raised the issue with the Vietnamese ambassador on 10 May.
	We will continue to raise the question of human rights defenders, along with other human rights issues, with the Vietnamese Government, including during the EU's human rights dialogue with the Vietnamese Government, which will next take place on 19 December.

Vietnam: Oppression

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations his Department has made to the Vietnamese Government on the imprisonment of human rights lawyers Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan.

Meg Munn: We, along with our EU partners, have made numerous representations to the Vietnamese Government on the arrest and sentencing of lawyers Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan.
	The EU conducted a dmarche on the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 9 March 2007, following the arrest of Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan. International representatives, including the UK, attended their trial as observers on 11 May and their appeal trial on 27 November. On 15 May, the EU issued a statement expressing its concern and calling on the Vietnamese Government to release all non-violent political activists, including Nguyen Van Dai and Le Thi Cong Nhan, who have exercised their rights to freedom of expression and association. This issue was also raised during the six-monthly EU/Vietnam human rights dialogue on 28 June.
	I raised our concerns on human rights with the Vietnamese Foreign Minister at the Association of South East Asian Nations summit in Singapore on 23 November and with the Deputy Foreign Minister during his visit to London on 29 November. Additionally, I raised the issue with the Vietnamese ambassador on 9 October and with the charg d'affaires on 25 July.
	We will continue to raise the question of human rights defenders, along with other human rights issues, with the Vietnamese Government, including during the EU's human rights dialogue with the Vietnamese Government, which will next take place on 19 December.

HEALTH

Antibiotics: Hospitals

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what benchmarking is used by his Department to establish comparative levels of usage of antibiotics in hospitals across the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Department does not hold data centrally to benchmark and compare antibiotic usage in national health service hospitals. However, the expert Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections is investigating the availability and utility of hospital prescribing data for benchmarking and other purposes.

Asthma: Research

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Government has allocated to research into asthma since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: Over the last 10 years, the main part of the Department's total expenditure on health research has been devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. During this time, the Department has also funded research to support policy and to provide the evidence needed to underpin quality improvement and service development in the NHS. Total reported expenditure on asthma by research active NHS organisations and similar expenditure by the Department's national research programmes, is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   million 
			   Respiratory disease, including asthma, 2  Asthma 
			 1997-98 n/a 0.2 
			 1998-99 n/a 0.2 
			 1999-2000 n/a 0.9 
			 2000-01 n/a 0.1 
			 2001-02 n/a 0.6 
			 2002-03 24.5 0.6 
			 2003-04 30.7 0.8 
			 2004-05 31.2 0.7 
			 2005-06 32.0 0.4 
			 2006-07 33.3 0.4 
			 n/a = Not available 
		
	
	In addition, a national research and development programme on asthma management ran from 1996 to early 2004 and supported a total of 33 projects throughout the United Kingdom at a total cost of 4.9 million.
	The Department funds personal award schemes to support the training of promising researchers. Since 1997 some nine awards have been made to individuals working in areas focused on, or related to, asthma at a total cost of 3.2 million.
	Implementation of the Department's research strategy Best Research for Best Health has resulted in an expansion of our research programmes and in significant new funding opportunities for health research. The Guy's and St. Thomas'/Kings College London Biomedical Research Centre, formed this year, will for example undertake research on asthma and allergy and has been allocated a budget of 4.75 million over five years for that purpose. The Research for Patient Benefit programme meanwhile will fund four new projects on asthma at a cost of 0.5 million.
	The Medical Research Council (MRC) is one of the main agencies through which the Government support medical and clinical research. The MRC is an independent body that receives its grant in aid from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
	Available MRC spend figures for research on asthma are as follows:
	
		
			million 
			 2000-01 2.9 
			 2001-02 3.0 
			 2002-03 2.8 
			 2003-04 2.8 
			 2004-05 2.6 
			 2005-06 2.4 
			 (1). Expenditure data were not collected centrally from NHS research active organisations prior to 2002.  (2.) Research active NHS organisations' annual research and development reports identify expenditure in some 16 national priority areas, including respiratory disease. Those reports do not include separate details of expenditure on asthma research.   Note:  Earlier comparable figures are not available.

Bridlington Hospital: Cleaning Services

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects Bridlington hospital to receive its deep clean.

Ann Keen: holding answer 20 November 2007
	As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

Childbirth

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many emergency transfers there were from  (a) midwife-led maternity units and  (b) home births to consultant-led units in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Alan Keen: This information is not collected. The Department has commissioned the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit to undertake a study entitled 'Birthplace'. This study will include data on the intended place of birth at the onset of labour and the actual place of birth. This will provide data on the number of women transferring during labour. Results of this study are expected towards the end of 2009.

Community Hospitals

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which community hospitals closed in 2007; how many are planned to close in 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Figures are not collected centrally. Decisions about the organisation of local health care services are taken at a local level. Primary care trusts are best placed to make decisions about the make-up of local hospital, community and primary care facilities. In 2006 the Government announced 750 million capital programme for new community hospitals and other community sources.

Deep Clean

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Eastbourne district general hospital will receive its deep clean.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how often Queen's hospital, Romford, will be subject to a deep clean; and when the first such clean will take place.

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects  (a) Queen Mary's hospital, Sidcup,  (b) Queen Elizabeth hospital, Woolwich,  (c) Darenth Valley hospital, Dartford and  (d) Princess Royal hospital, Farnborough to receive deep cleans.

Ann Keen: As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

Dementia

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government have taken to assist the families of people with dementia since 1997.

Ivan Lewis: holding answer 4 December 2007
	Policy on older people's mental health, which includes dementia, has been developing since 1997. The publication of the National Service Framework for Older People in 2001, which contained a service model for dementia care, marked the first key milestone in policy development on older people's mental health. This was followed in 2005, by the publication of our service development guide, Everybody's Business, the launch of the Let's Respect campaign in 2006, and also, in 2006, the Quality and Outcomes framework incentive which rewards general practitioner practices for maintaining a register of patients diagnosed with dementia.
	The Government announced, on 6 August, the development of a new national dementia strategy, which will help to improve services for people with dementia and their families. The strategy will focus on three key themes, which are improving awareness, early diagnosis and intervention as well as improving the quality of care for people with dementia.
	The first product of the Strategy work programme, Strengthening the Involvement of People with Dementia: a resource for implementation was published on 27 November. This toolkit is designed to support practitioners and commissioners to positively engage with people who have dementia, as well as helping people who have dementia, and their carers, to understand how they can become more involved in the planning and delivery of their care.

Drugs: Misuse

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has made to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction's 2007 Annual Report, The State of the Drug Problems in Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government welcomed the publication of the European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Annual Report on 22 November 2007.
	They also welcome the report as an excellent example of what can be gained by European countries working in partnership in tackling the harms associated with drug misuse.
	The report reflects the United Kingdom's success in increasing the numbers of people in drug treatment, with the associated benefits that follow for individuals, their families and the wider community.
	In looking forward the report highlights the need for continued vigilance in particular areas, including the transmission of infectious diseases among drug users. This is an issue on which the UK is already undertaking specific programmes of work to improve the position and we are pleased that more recent data than that within the EMCDDA Report, published by the Health Protection Agency in October this year shows progress, particularly in the proportion of injecting drug users contracting HIV.
	The report also refers to the outcome studies being undertaken in the UK to ensure that treatment is being delivered on the foundation of an established evidence base so that it can be as effective as possible.

Health Services: Foreigners

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many EU nationals were treated by the NHS in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: It is not possible to provide the information requested. Successive Governments have not required the national health service to provide statistics on the number of foreign nationals, including those from European Union member states, seen, treated or charged under the provisions of the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended.

Health Services: Regulation

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take to take account of the views of the public and patients in the enhancing confidence in professional health care regulation process.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 4 December 2007
	We are proposing an event specifically for patient and public representatives in new year 2008 once all of the working groups have met. The purpose of the event will be to present the programme as a whole to representatives and to seek their feedback. This is in addition to the continuing involvement of patient and public representatives in the working groups and the National Advisory Group meeting. We are also planning to increase the number of public and patient representatives at the next National Advisory Group meeting.

Health Services: Regulation

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the annual budget will be for the new health and social care regulator in its first year of operation.

Ben Bradshaw: Subject to parliamentary approval of the Health and Social Care Bill, the exact budget for the new health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission, in its first year of operation will be confirmed next year, but will be in the region of 155 million-160 million.

Healthcare Commission: Commission for Social Care Inspection

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the projected  (a) cost and  (b) timescale is for carrying out the merger of the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Ben Bradshaw: Subject to parliamentary approval of the Health and Social Care Bill, the new Care Quality Commission will be established in October 2008. The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), the Healthcare Commission (HC), and the Mental Health Act Commission will continue to carry out their functions until April 2009 when the new Commission will become operational and replace them.
	The Impact Assessment for the Bill includes an estimate of 7 million for the additional cost of running the Care Quality Commission to 2009-10. As the explanatory notes to the Bill make clear there will be more substantial transition costs relating to the cost and activity reduction programme for CSCI and HC, which have been estimated to total up to 140 million and will save 60 million per annum from 2008-09.

Healthcare Commission: Commission for Social Care Inspection

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) redundancies and  (b) early retirements have been made as a result of the merger of the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection; and how many are planned.

Ben Bradshaw: We understand from the chairman of the Healthcare Commission that there have been no such redundancies or early retirements. We understand that the Commission for Social Care Inspection has not had any such redundancies or early retirements either. It will not be known how many, if any, reductions in staff will be required at either Commission until the new Commission decides on its staffing requirements.

Healthcare Commission: Commission for Social Care Inspection

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which parts of the inspection process will be merged as a result of the merger of the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection; and what the intended benefits are for patients.

Ben Bradshaw: The detail of how the new Care Quality Commission will operate will be a matter for the new Commission when it is established, subject to passage of the Health and Social Care Bill through Parliament. Nevertheless, through legislation it is our intention to set a single and coherent set of registration requirements.
	There will be a coherent approach to assessment, inspection and registration of health and adult social care services to assure people that no matter where they choose to receive the service they need, that service will meet national requirements for safety and quality.
	The new Commission will take a proportionate and flexible approach to regulating different services, concentrating more of its resources on services that present the biggest risk or where patients and users are most vulnerable.
	The new Commission will also carry out performance reviews of registered providers and publish the results.

Heart Diseases: Medical Treatments

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has assessed the cost effectiveness of existing technologies and approaches for treatment of end-stage heart failure in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The National Health Service Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme has published two independent cost-effectiveness assessments of ventricular assist devices in end-stage heart failure. The clinical and cost effectiveness of left ventricular device assist devices for end-stage heart failure (2005) and The Evaluation of the Ventricular Assist Device Programme in the United Kingdom (2006). Such devices are in use in the national heart transplant service in England.

Heart Diseases: Transplant Surgery

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures his Department holds on international 30-day mortality rates following heart transplants; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The Department does not hold information on international 30-day mortality rates following heart transplants. The International Registry for Heart and Lung Transplantation reports international survival data. These are available on the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation website at:
	www.ishlt.org

Heart Diseases: Transplant Surgery

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether his Department has recommended an upper limit for donor organ allowable ischaemic time to provide a safe time limit prospect for heart transplantation; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  after what period of ischaemic time his Department recommends that a heart is rejected by surgeons for transplantation; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The Department has not issued guidance in this area. In all instances, the decision to proceed with transplantation is a clinical one and represents a careful evaluation of the risks versus the potential benefits of the procedure. Although there is no official 'safe' length of ischaemia time for donor hearts, it is generally accepted that ischaemia times should be kept under four hours wherever possible. All transplant teams are aware that longer ischaemic times can increase the risk to transplantation. For adult deceased heartbeating donor hearts offered for transplant 1 April 2004-31 March 2007, 70 per cent. of ischaemia times were four hours or less.

Hillingdon Hospital: Cleaning Services

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how often Hillingdon Hospital is expected to receive a deep clean; and when the first such clean will take place.

Ann Keen: As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

Hospitals: Infectious Diseases

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of pseudomonas infection were acquired in hospitals in each health trust in England in each year from 2002 to 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The Health Protection Agency (HPA) receives reports from microbiology laboratories of cases of blood stream infections caused by pseudomonas in its voluntary reporting scheme. These bacteria can cause a range of infections from mild skin infections to urinary tract infections. They can also cause a variety of bloodstream infections, particularly in patients with serious burns and those who are severely immunosuppressed such as cancer and AIDS patients. Most infection cases are reported from intensive care, burns, spinal injuries or cancer units.
	Information about whether the infection was acquired in hospital is not collected routinely.
	Information is not available by acute national health service trust.
	
		
			  Total patient episodes( 1)  of Pseudomonas spp.( 2)  blood stream infections (bacteraemia) in England 
			   Total patient episode 
			 2002 1,762 
			 2003 2,292 
			 2004 2,381 
			 2005 2,615 
			 2006 3,098 
			 (1) A patient episode comprises all isolates testing positive to the organism within two weeks of original isolate date. (2) spp refers to a range of pseudomonas micro-organisms.  Source: HPALabBase 2 (provisional data 21 November 2007) 
		
	
	The increased rate of reporting of cases of pseudomonas is comparable to the increase seen for all blood poisoning via the HPA's voluntary surveillance scheme. The increase is partly due to better reporting, surveillance and testing and may also reflect a changing hospital population, with more patients who are vulnerable to infection through conditions which compromise their immune systems being treated.

Macular Degeneration: Research

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Government has allocated to research into macular disease since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: Over the last 10 years, the main part of the Department's total expenditure on health research has been devolved to and managed by national health service organisations. Details of individual NHS supported research projects including a large number concerned with macular degeneration are available on the national research register at:
	www.nrr.nhs.uk.
	The Department's expenditure on relevant national research programme projects during this time has been:
	
		
			   000 
			 2003-04 117 
			 2004-05 266 
			 2005-06 299 
			 2006-07 337 
		
	
	Implementation of the Department's research strategy Best Research for Best Health has led to an expansion of our research programmes and in significant new funding opportunities for health research. In particular, the Moorfields Eye Hospital/University College London Institute of Ophthalmology Biomedical Research Centre, formed this year, is undertaking a research theme on age-related macular degeneration with a total budget of 2.6 million over the five years 2007-12.
	The Medical Research Council (MRC) is one of the main agencies through which the Government support medical and clinical research. The MRC is an independent body that receives its grant in aid from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.
	Since 1997, MRC expenditure on research directly relevant to macular degeneration has been:
	
		
			   000 
			 1997-98 300 
			 1998-99 82 
			 1999-2000 78 
			 2000-01 140 
			 2001-02 205 
			 2002-03 659 
			 2003-04 781 
			 2004-05 625 
			 2005-06 669 
		
	
	The MRC's total vision research portfolio amounts to around 6 million a year and in addition to the funding shown above is supporting a major programme on human retinal degenerations at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust: Cleaning Services

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  which  (a) items and  (b) buildings will be deep cleaned at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals Trust;
	(2)  what the expected  (a) start and  (b) end date of the deep clean at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals Trusts are; and what other interim deadlines there are for the deep clean programme there;
	(3)  from which heading of the South East Coast Strategic Health Authority budget the money for the deep clean at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Hospitals Trust will be taken.

Ann Keen: Deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area.
	Deep cleaning is already in progress within Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. The programme began on 1 November 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by 31 March 2008.
	The funding for deep cleaning at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is coming from primary care trust lodgements held at the South East Coast SHA for strategic purposes.
	The items which are being deep cleaned at the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust are as follows:
	floors;
	skirtings;
	walls;
	tiled walls;
	sills, ledges;
	doors;
	shelving;
	sanitary-ware;
	glassware;
	stainless steel;
	cupboards;
	grilles/vents;
	light switches and fittings;
	wall protectors;
	nurses stations;
	trolleys;
	soft furnishings, curtains;
	patient equipmentdrip stands, commodes, wheelchairs, trolleys, hoists, beds, bedside cabinets and any other associated medical equipment.
	The buildings that are being deep cleaned at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust are as follows:
	Maidstone Hospital;
	Kent and Sussex Hospitals;
	Pembury Hospital.

Maidstone and West Kent NHS Trust: Clostridium

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will change the structure of the Maidstone and West Kent NHS Trust to take account of issues arising following the two  clostridium difficile outbreaks there.

Ann Keen: holding answer 27 November 2007
	 The Health Care Commission (HCC) made no recommendations for structural changes to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells Trust following their investigation into the outbreaks of  clostridium difficile. The HCC recommended a review of the leadership of the trust which is currently being undertaken urgently.

Maidstone Hospital: Clostridium

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the strategic health authority (SHA) was first informed of the  (a) first and  (b) second outbreak of  clostridium difficile at Maidstone hospital; and what steps were taken by the SHA.

Ann Keen: holding answer 27 November 2007
	The Health Care Commission (HCC) report states that the former Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority (SHA) was informed of the second outbreak on 12 April 2006.
	South East Coast SHA has advised officials that its Director of Public Health then held an outbreak meeting on 13 April 2006 and the acting SHA Chief Executive was informed at this point.
	During May 2006 outbreak continued to be managed by the trust and Kent health protection unit (HPU), keeping the SHA informed. The HCC report states that the SHA did not take any direct action to follow up the outbreak as the HPU, where the specialist knowledge resided, agreed to keep the SHA fully informed.
	At the end of June 2006 the HPU produced a report to the South East Coast SHA and in July 2006 the SHA asked the HCC to conduct an investigation.

Malnutrition

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, column 829W, on malnutrition, if he will break down the figures for 2005-06 by NHS trust.

Ann Keen: holding answer 28 November 2007
	 The information requested has been placed in the Library. The tables show the total number of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) where the primary diagnoses are listed as per the tabled question; the total number of FCEs with the listed primary diagnosis and a secondary diagnosis, which mentions either malnutrition or nutritional anaemia and the proportion that this represents.
	Due to there being several low numbers in the tables, low number suppression has been used. Furthermore, due to the use of low number suppression the table for depression contains no readable numbers for cases of the listed primary diagnosis with mentions of the malnutrition secondary diagnosis. This should not be taken as representative of the diagnosis as a whole.
	A diagnosis of nutritional anaemia includes but is not limited to anaemias that are caused by an insufficient or poorly balanced diet. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies without the mention of anaemia such as copper, molybdenum and zinc deficiency have not been included in our analysis.

Mental Health and Employment: Meeting The Challenge

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his written statement of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 29-30WS, on mental health and employment: meeting the challenge, if he will make a statement on his Department's work on expanding the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme.

Ivan Lewis: On 10 October 2007, the Secretary of State (Alan Johnson) announced additional investment to fund stepped improvements in access to psychological therapies over the next three years. The additional investment will be 173 million by 2010-11. In return for these resources, the national health service is committed to treating 900,000 more people for depression and anxiety disorders who would not otherwise have received a service. Over this period we will also train 3,600 new psychological therapists providing evidence-based treatment.
	The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme will focus chiefly on supporting the NHS to deliver this policy in line with these commitments. It will also further develop the policy framework in order to improve access to psychological therapies for all sections of the population.

Methadone

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were receiving methadone in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS trust.

Dawn Primarolo: Data are collected on the basis of those in receipt of substitute prescribing but are not broken down to the level of the type of medication that is being prescribed. Therefore, we are unable to provide any data on the numbers being specifically prescribed methadone.

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: Yorkshire and Humberside

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people contracted MRSA in Yorkshire and the Humber in each of the last five years, broken down by hospital; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The information is not available in the requested format. The available information is from the mandatory surveillance scheme of methicillin resistant  Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections in acute national health service trusts in England. Data are reported by the trust whose laboratory processes the specimen, but may not necessarily reflect where the infection was acquired
	Data for acute NHS Trusts in the Yorkshire and Humber region are provided in the following table.
	This information and any further information on Health Protection Agency data for NHS Acute Trusts is also available at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics__az/hai/Mandatory_ Results.htm
	
		
			  Number of reported MRSA bloodstream infections (bacteraemias) for NHS trusts in the Yorkshire and Humber Region (England) 
			  Number 
			   April to March each year 
			  Trust  2002-03  2003 - 04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Airedale NHS Trust 10 20 18 16 15 
			 Barnsley Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 18 22 13 17 16 
			 Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 48 44 75 58 59 
			 Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust 39 37 40 28 31 
			 Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 33 46 27 29 26 
			 Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust 11 6 9 8 11 
			 Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 75 102 90 101 59 
			 Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust 165 204 200 165 180 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 95 87 83 70 63 
			 North Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Trust 34 28 40 23 48 
			 Rotherham General Hospitals NHS Trust 14 25 7 21 14 
			 Scarborough and NE Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust 15 33 19 13 16 
			 Sheffield Children's Hospitals NHS Trust 0 2 1 2 0 
			 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 91 105 101 79 60 
			 York Health Services NHS Trust 16 31 28 22 14 
			 Total 664 792 751 652 612 
			  Source: Health Protection Agency 
		
	
	As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

Milton Keynes Hospital Trust: Cleaning Services

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether Milton Keynes Hospital Trust has submitted its deep cleaning plan to the strategic health authority;
	(2)  what the estimated cost of the Milton Keynes deep cleaning plan is;
	(3)  whether the cost of the deep clean for Milton Keynes hospital will come out of the hospital's existing budget.

Ann Keen: holding answer 19 November 2007
	As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

NHS: Finance

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what steps his Department has taken to assist NHS trusts that were identified as financially challenged in 2006-07;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the reasons for which the 17 trusts that were identified as financially challenged in 2006-07 found themselves in this position.

Ben Bradshaw: As a result of the Department introducing the new loans system in 2006-07, there were originally 18 national health service trusts, where the financial challenges are such that the Department either could not give a loan because the trusts could not afford to meet the repayments, or where a loan was agreed, but the amount is very large and could only be repaid over a very extended timescale.
	Cash support in the form of public dividend capital (PDC) was provided to 13 NHS trusts over the 2006-07 year end, pending the outcome of a review process in 2007-08. This process will set out the long term financing arrangements for these NHS trusts while maximising the level of cash support repaid to the Department.
	The 13 NHS trusts, and details of the amount of PDC that each received, are in the following table.
	
		
			  Trust name  Value of PDC received  (000) 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospital NHS Trust 46,000 
			 Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust 87,000 
			 Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust(1) 14,000 
			 Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust 27,300 
			 Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 77,246 
			 Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Trust 65,432 
			 Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust 15,000 
			 Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 56,400 
			 Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust 21,000 
			 The Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust 13,000 
			 University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust 29,277 
			 West Middlesex University NHS Trust 17,000 
			 Weston Area Health NHS Trust 16,250 
			 Total 484,905 
			 (1) Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust subsequently merged with Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust 
		
	
	The five NHS trusts, and details of the loan each received, are in the following table.
	
		
			  Trust name  Value of loan received  (000) 
			 Whipps Cross University Hospitals NHS Trust 36,094 
			 Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 56,000 
			 The Royal West Sussex NHS Trust 23,000 
			 North Bristol NHS Trust 52,000 
			 Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust 38,000

NHS: Finance

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated NHS underspend is likely to be in 2007-08; and if he will make it his policy not to transfer funds from parts of the NHS in budget surplus to other parts as a means of addressing this underspend.

Ben Bradshaw: The latest available financial data for 2007-08, based on the quarter 2 forecast outturn position, shows that the national health service as a whole is forecasting a year end surplus of 1,789 million. Details for each NHS organisation were included in the Quarter 2 Finance Report, and a copy is available in the Library.
	In recent years, the Department has improved the NHS financial regime by introducing a fairer, more transparent, rules-based system, which has included putting an end to the practice of moving money around the NHS, and abolishing both brokerage and planned support.

NHS: Personal Records

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is able to gain access to the NHS medical records of individuals; what procedures are involved in accessing those records; and how his Department monitors access.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 28 November 2007
	 Local national health service organisations have the responsibility for determining which of their staff may access the detailed care records they hold, and for establishing the working practices that effectively deliver the confidentiality required ethically, and by law. Guidance on required practice for those who work within or under contract to NHS organisations about the safeguarding of confidentiality, and patients' consent to the use of their health records, exists in the form of the NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice, published in November 2003. Local organisations are and have been responsible for the procedures that are followed, which differ from organisation to organisation and also according to whether the record concerned is held electronically or on paper.
	The security measures controlling access to electronic medical records held on the NHS Care Records Service are set at the Cabinet Office standard e-Government interoperability framework level 3, with access further restricted to only those with a legitimate relationship with the patient, and further role-based access restrictions to specific information.
	Tools are provided by NHS Connecting for Health to enable organisations to control access to records held in the new information technology systems and services deployed under the national programme for information technology. To access patient records staff will need to:
	have been issued with a smartcard following rigorous identity checks;
	log on to a system with their card and pass code;
	have been assigned a role profile that permits them to use system functions that allow record access and;
	have their membership of a team involved in a patient's care confirmed by a check against central records or
	have special authorisation to satisfy statutory requirements or other exceptional reasons for accessing records.
	System audit trails will enable organisations to monitor access and the Department has made it clear that misuse must not be tolerated. The Department will monitor how well NHS organisations adhere to standards rather than the details of access.

North Staffordshire University Hospital: Pay

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will take steps to ensure that University Hospital Birmingham Foundation Trust makes full and accurate payments to staff at the North Staffordshire University Hospital in line with their entitlement to remuneration for hours worked and pay award, within the timescale specified in their contracts.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 4 December 2007
	This is a matter for the chair of University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. I have written to Sir Albert Bore informing him of the hon. Member's inquiry. He will reply shortly and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

Obesity: Pregnancy

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact of growing levels of obesity on pregnancy and childbirth.

Dawn Primarolo: Two recent Government reports, Foresight 'Tackling Obesities: Future Choices' published in October 2007; and the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence 'Guidance on the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children' published in December 2006 have made evidence-based assessments of the importance of key life stages in preventing obesity, including pre-pregnancy and pregnancy.
	The most recent triennial report 'Saving Mothers Lives', published by CEMACH on 4 December found maternity obesity is a growing risk factor for maternal death and more than half of the women who died were either overweight or obese and more than 15 per cent. were extremely obese.
	The Government are developing a comprehensive cross-Government strategy on obesity.

Out-patients: Nutrition

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the level of pre-hospital admission nutritional support offered by the NHS to those patients with a clinical need.

Dawn Primarolo: No assessment has been made by the Department on the level of pre-hospital nutritional support offered by the national health service to patients with a clinical need. This is a decision made by those providing health care services based on individual circumstances and needs.

Peterborough District Hospital: Cleaning Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when  (a) Peterborough District Hospital and  (b) Edith Cavell Hospital can expect to receive their deep cleans; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: holding answer 28 November 2007
	 As the Prime Minister made clear, deep cleaning will occur in all hospitals, starting this winter, with resources allocated through the strategic health authorities (SHAs). All trusts will submit costed deep clean plans to their lead commissioners who will monitor performance against this plan, as per normal performance management arrangements, and SHAs will take an overview as to progress across their area. Trusts are aiming to complete all deep cleans by the end of March 2008. SHAs will be expected to report on implementation across their regions to the Department.

Prescriptions

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 14 November 2007,  Official Report, column 289WA, on nurses: prescriptions, how many prescriptions have been issued by  (a) nurse independent prescribers,  (b) community practitioner nurse prescribers and  (c) doctors in each of the past 12 months for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The following table shows the number of prescription items issued by nurse independent prescribers, community practitioner nurse prescribers and doctors and dispensed in the community, in England, for the period October 2006 to September 2007.
	
		
			  Number of prescription items dispensed 
			  Thousand 
			   Issued by nurse independent prescribers  Issued by community practitioner nurse prescribers  Issued by doctors 
			 October 2006 412 218 64,053 
			 November 2006 447 217 66,436 
			 December 2006 431 194 63,752 
			 January 2007 524 228 64,331 
			 February 2007 489 198 58,564 
			 March 2007 548 215 65,495 
			 April 2007 528 200 60,648 
			 May 2007 568 218 65,236 
			 June 2007 583 209 64,547 
			 July 2007 596 216 64,411 
			 August 2007 580 204 65,549 
			 September 2007 547 190 61,251 
			 Total 6,253 2,508 764,273 
			  Source:  Electronic prescribing analysis and cost tool system.

Processed Food: Labelling

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of producers of processed foods that are providing consumers with information on  (a) ingredients,  (b) food values and  (c) traffic light indicators for sugar, salt and fat content; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Regulation 5 of the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 (as amended) (SI 1996 No 1499) which implements European Union legislation (Council Directive 2000/13/EC) requires pre-packed foods (subject to a few exceptions) to be labelled with a full list of ingredients.
	It is estimated that about 80 per cent. of pre-packed food in the United Kingdom provides some form of nutrition labelling. There are currently 28 companies using the traffic light labelling approach in the UK.

Processed Food: Labelling

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which supermarkets use traffic light indicators as guidance for consumers on the sugar, salt and fat content of processed foods.

Dawn Primarolo: Currently eight United Kingdom retailers use traffic light front of pack labels: Asda, Budgens/Londis, The Cooperative, Boots, Marks and Spencers, Sainsbury's and Waitrose. This represents more than 40 per cent. by sales of the food retail market in the UK.

Tuberculosis: Foreigners

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many instances of tuberculosis were diagnosed in foreign nationals resident in the UK in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The Health Protection Agency does not collect data on tuberculosis in foreign nationals resident in the United Kingdom.

Waiting Lists

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time was for  (a) inpatient admissions at the East Kent NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and  (b) inpatient mental health services in England in 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: This information is not collected centrally. All mental health in-patient admissions are emergencies and not from a waiting list.

Wheelchairs

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether he plans to introduce prescription charges for the provision of wheelchairs;
	(2)  what the average waiting time was for a wheelchair being provided to a patient following a GP referral for  (a) a standard wheelchair and  (b) a specialist wheelchair in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(3)  what plans he has to ensure the needs of wheelchair users with complex needs will be protected under the current review of wheelchair service provision.

Ann Keen: The Department has no plans to introduce prescription charges for the provision of wheelchairs.
	We do not collect data on the average waiting time for a wheelchair being provided to a patient following a general practitioner referral.
	The Transforming Community Equipment and Wheelchair Services Programme team are continuing to have regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure that the needs of wheelchair users with complex needs will be fully considered during the current review of wheelchair provision.

BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Certification Officer: Complaints

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2007,  Official Report, column 487W, on certification officer: Complaints, if he will set out what action was taken in relation to each of the orders made.

Patrick McFadden: Details of the orders made are given in the following table. All of the decisions are available on the certification officer's website:
	www.certoffice.org
	Where the certification officer makes an order, it may be enforced in the same way as under an order of court. The certification officer is not aware that any such action has been necessary in relation to any of these orders.
	
		
			   Enforcement orders 
			 2006-07 (D/59-60/06) King and King  v. TGWU. OrderThe union is ordered to give the claimants access to inspect the accounting records of branch 1/230 in the form of the quarterly returns to the union's region 1 going back to 1 January 2005, or from whenever such returns were first made, whichever is the shorter period. The claimants are to be given access to those records no later than 28 January 2007. 
			 2005-06 1. (D3/06) Lee  v. NASUWT OrderThe NASUWT is ordered to give the claimant access to inspect those accounting records of the London Benevolent Federation of the union which are in its power, possession or control and which relate to the period of six years ending on 12 April 2005. The claimant is to be given access to inspect those records no later than Tuesday, 31 January 2006. The inspection shall be during the normal office hours of the union and shall be at the union's head office, unless the parties agree otherwise. If such accounts would reveal the names of those who received benefit, those names may be substituted with Person 1; Person 2 etc. In the event of a dispute as to whether any particular document or category of documents constitutes an accounting record, the claimant is given leave to apply. 
			  2. (D5/05) Gallagher  v. UNISON OrderI order that UNISON considers any future application by Ms Gallagher to attend any union conferences without regard to the policy of exclusion adopted by the National Executive Council on 22 June 2004. 
			  3. (D15//05) Scobie  v. TGWU OrderI order that Ms Foyer shall forthwith cease to hold the office, or carry out the functions, of National Secretary of ACTS, unless or until she is appointed in accordance with the rules of the Union. 
			 2004-05 (D/3/04) Beaumont  v. Amicus OrderI order that Mr. Lyons shall cease forthwith to hold office as joint general secretary of Amicus. 
			 2003-04 1. (D24-27/03) Stokes  v. GMB Order5.1 subject as hereafter, the election to the position of deputy general secretary of the union, the result of which was declared on 15 April 2003 (the disputed election), be treated as void and of no effect. The person elected in that election, Ms Coulter, shall cease forthwith to hold office as deputy general secretary. 
			  5.2 the union shall conduct a further election for the position of deputy general secretary, such election to be conducted so as to be in accordance with the rules of the union and Chapter IV of the 1992 Act. 
			  5.3 the implied rule of the union, referred to in the reasons to this decision as the precursor provision, shall apply to all nominees in the further election as if the term of office of the deputy general secretary were to have begun on 15 April 2003. 
			  5.4 the further election shall be conducted so that its result is declared no later than 31 March 2004. The union is given liberty to apply in the event of the union being unable to comply with the requirement to declare the result of the election by the specified date. 
			  5.5 the union shall not be required to proceed with the further election and the result of the disputed election shall stand should the Applicant and any member of the union who would have been excluded from being a candidate in the disputed election by reason only of the impending retirement provision not be nominated in the further election or should all such nominees subsequently either withdraw or be lawfully excluded from standing prior to the date of distribution of the voting papers. 
			  2. (D19/03) Ecclestone  v. NUJ OrderI order that the persons elected to the National Executive Council of the union for 2003-04 representing disabled members and black members cease to hold office forthwith. 
			 2002-03 1. (D1/03) Mortimer  v. Amicus OrderAmicus is ordered to give the applicant access to inspect those accounting records of the union which relate to a termination payment made to Mr Chowcat by the union in or about 1999. The applicant is to be given access to those records no later than Friday 28 March 2003. 
			  2. (D/31/02) Hill  v. Bakers Food and Allied workers Union OrderThe union shall forthwith treat the election of Mr Marino to the position of general secretary held in 2002 as having taken effect on 9 August 2002 and his term of office as having commenced on that date. 
			  3. (D/23/02) Saunders  v. Musicians Union OrderThe musicians' union shall treat as void and ineffective the alteration of rules approved by a ballot, the result of which was declared on 31 January 2002. The union shall continue to apply the rules that prevailed prior to that purported alteration, unless and until the rules of the union are altered in accordance with rule XIX.C of its rules. 
			  4. (D21-22/02) Adams  v. Prison Officers Association OrderI order that a further election be held for the position of National Chair of the Association to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of Chapter IV of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. The result of this election shall be declared no later than Friday 9 August 2002.

Cyprus

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many officials in his Department visited  (a) Cyprus and  (b) Bermuda on official business in 2006-07, broken down by grade; and what the equivalent figures for Department of Trade and Industry were in (i) 1983, (ii) 1987 and (iii) each year between 1998 and 2005.

Gareth Thomas: There are no records of visits to Cyprus by officials prior to 2001. From 2001 onwards, the number of visits by officials has been:
	
		
			  Grade  Number 
			  Director and Range 6  
			 2001 2 
			 2002 0 
			   
			  Range 9 and Range 6  
			 2003 2 
			   
			  Director and Range 8  
			 2004 2 
			 2005 0 
		
	
	I am not aware of any visits to Bermuda by officials in 1983, 1987 or between 1998 and 2005.

Defence Export Services Organisation

Richard Benyon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when he was informed of the Prime Minister' decision to close the Defence Export Services Organisation and to move part of its remit to UK Trade and Investment.

Gareth Thomas: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, was consulted before the Prime Minister's announcement on 25 July 2007 to transfer trade promotion for defence exports to UKTI.

Defence Export Services Organisation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what discussions he has had with the defence industry on the abolition of the Defence Export Services Organisation.

Gareth Thomas: holding answer 3 December 2007
	Following my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's announcement to transfer responsibility for defence export support to UKTI, Ministers and officials have held a number of meetings with the defence industry to help manage the implementation of the change. These meetings have generally been led by UKTI/BERR reflecting future ministerial responsibility for defence exports.

Departmental Carbon Emissions

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether his Department is working towards an accredited certified environmental management system for its estate or part thereof.

Gareth Thomas: BERR's predecessor Department DTI's environmental management system (EMS) which covers its London HQ buildings was certified to ISO 14001 in 1999 with accreditation being maintained since through a UKAS external verification organisation. On the formation of BERR the EMS accreditation was transferred from DTI to BERR.

Departmental Consultants

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform which private consultancy firms  (a) his Department and  (b) agencies which report to his Department engaged in each of the last three years; which programmes or projects each firm worked on; what the approximate cost to the Department or agency concerned was of each engagement; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: Central records indicate that as at 8 October 2007 the Department has spent the following on consultancy services:
	
		
			  Financial year   million 
			 2005-06 53.6 
			 2006-07 40.2 
			 2007-08 (1)16.3 
			 (1) To date 
		
	
	I have placed in the Libraries of the House a list of companies that received payments for consultancy services in each of the last three financial years, together with details of the total amount paid to each.
	I have asked chief executives of the executive agencies to respond directly to the hon. Member.
	Further information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Data Protection

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether his Department's information technology and data management systems are BS7799 compliant.

Gareth Thomas: The Department's Information Security Management System are compliant and have been independently certified to BS7799 since May 2002. In March 2007 certification was successfully achieved against the new ISO27001 standard. The certificate will be updated to reflect the name change to BERR at the next surveillance audit in 2008.

Departmental Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many officials in  (a) his Department and  (b) each of its agencies have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

Gareth Thomas: No member of staff either in the Department or its agencies receive private health insurance as part of their terms and conditions of employment.

Departmental Official Hospitality

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what entertainment or hospitality members of his Department's management board received in each of the last three financial years; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: Paragraph 4.3.5 of the Civil Service Management Code sets out the rules on the registration of hospitality. The Government are committed to publishing an annual list of hospitality received by members of departmental boards. The first list for 2007 will be published as soon as it is ready after the end of the current calendar year.

Departmental Parliamentary Questions

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform pursuant to the answer from the Minister of 13 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 132-3W, on post offices: York, when he expects the Managing Director of Post Office Limited to reply to the question.

Patrick McFadden: I understand that the Managing Director of Post Office Limited will reply shortly and a copy will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

Departmental Telephone Services

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 
	(1)  which telephone contact centres are the responsibility of his Department; what mechanisms are in place to monitor their effectiveness; and how many people have been employed in each of those centres in each year since they were established;
	(2)  how much each telephone contact centre for which his Department is responsible has  (a) cost and  (b) generated in income in each financial year since their establishment;
	(3)  what information his Department collects and monitors in relation to the telephone contact centres for which his Department is responsible.

Gareth Thomas: The Department's central records do not contain the information to answer these questions. Therefore, the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform could answer these questions only at disproportionate cost.

Departments: Official Hospitality

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will break down the figures referred to in the answer of 25 October 2007,  Official Report, column 491W, on Departments: official hospitality, to give the amount spent on each function at which hospitality expenses were incurred.

Gareth Thomas: The figures shown in the earlier reply of 25 October 2007,  Official Report, column 491W, were a summary from a series of events, and a detailed breakdown could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Economic Agreements: ACP Countries

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what transitional agreements will be made with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that are not ready to sign economic partnership agreements by the end of 2007.

Gareth Thomas: The European Commission, which is negotiating economic partnership agreements (EPAs) with the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, on behalf of the EU, has made clear that those countries which have not signed an EPA by the 31 December 2007, will revert to the generalised system of preferences (GSP) scheme from 1 January 2008.
	The UK and other EU member states made clear to the Commission at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels in November that we do not want to see ACP countries face higher tariffs on their exports to the EU on 1 January 2008. The best way of avoiding this is by agreeing an EPA. Discussions are ongoing about transitional agreements which could be considered for countries which are not ready to sign a full EPA.

Fire Prevention: Furniture

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what plans he has to meet  (a) representatives of the British Furniture Confederation and  (b) managers of large UK furniture retailers to discuss (i) raising awareness of the Furniture and Furnishing (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and (ii) the impact of compliance with those regulations on fire safety.

Gareth Thomas: Ministers and officials of my Department are in regular communication with representatives of the furniture industry with regard to the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. I am currently considering whether further public awareness of the requirements of the regulations is necessary at this stage.

Imports: Toys

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what legislation governs the importation of toys into the UK; and what estimate he has made of the percentage of toys bought in England that were imported from overseas in each year since 1997.

Gareth Thomas: The Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 implement the requirements of the EC toy safety directive in the UK. The regulations apply to all toys supplied in this country, whether they are made here or imported.
	The Office for National Statistics publishes data on total UK manufacturer sales, imports, exports and derived data for net supply to the UK market, home sales and home production in its annual publication PRA 36500 Product Sales and Trade: Games and Toys.

Information: Fees and Charges

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will place in the Library a copy of the brief given to Cambridge university when it was commissioned to undertake the study for his Department on information pricing.

Gareth Thomas: The work that the experts from Cambridge are undertaking is being conducted on an independent basis. We have not listed the bodies that should or should not be included in their meeting plans. We do not possess information on the stakeholders Cambridge has met or plans to meet.

Internet

Boris Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate his Department has made of the percentage of  (a) people and  (b) children from socio-economic groups (i) 1-3 and (ii) 4-7 with access to (A) internet and (B) broadband (1) nationally and (2) in London.

Stephen Timms: The Department does not maintain figures on this matter.
	Latest statistics from the independent regulator, Office of Communications (Ofcom) Consumer Experience report released on 20 November 2007 shows that Broadband penetration has continued to increase significantly over the last 12 monthsrising from 45 per cent. of households in 2006 to 55 per cent. in 2007. This increase is at the expense of narrowband as we see a drop in narrowband penetration. In 2007, 86 per cent. of internet owners have a broadband connection compared with 73 per cent. in 2006.
	Ofcom socio economic profile of those who use the internet:
	
		
			  Percentage 
			   2005  2006  2007 
			 75+ 10 14 27 
			 AB 79 83 82 
			 C1 64 67 75 
			 C2 53 59 65 
			 DE 31 35 40 
		
	
	Internet take-up has continued to increaserising 4 per cent. over the last year; 9 per cent. over the last two yearswith over two thirds of the population now stating they have access to the internet at home. Use of the internet anywhere has increased from 66 per cent. in 2005 to 71 per cent. in 2007.
	The UK has one of the fastest growing broadband markets in Europe and continues to have the most extensive availability.
	With 55 per cent. of households having broadband, the UK is ahead of most of the other large European countries and now has penetration levels which match those in US and Japan. In 2003 the UK was ranked seventh in the number of broadband connections per capita. Since 2003 the UK has moved two places to fifth place, moving ahead of the USA and France.
	A copy of the Ofcom consumer experience report can be found at:
	http://www.radioauthority.org.uk/research/tce/policy07/policy07.pdf

Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many officials in his Department and its predecessor visited Israel on official business in 2007, broken down by grade; and what the equivalent number was in  (a) 1983,  (b) 1987 and  (c) each year between 1998 and 2005.

Gareth Thomas: According to records kept by the British embassy in Tel Aviv, six official visits have been made to Israel by BERR staff in 2007 (three at Range 10, one at Range 9 and two at Range 8).
	In 2005, seven official visits were made to Israel by BERR staff (one senior civil servant, two at Range 9, three at Range 8 and one at Range 6).
	Records have not been kept for visits to Israel prior to 2005.

Overseas Trade: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps he has  (a) taken and  (b) plans to take to increase trade between the United Kingdom and Israel; how much his Department and its predecessor spent on the promotion of trade between the United Kingdom and Israel in each of the last five years for which information is available; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) provides a range of support services to British companies wishing to trade with or invest in Israel, through commercial teams based in both the UK and the British embassy in Tel Aviv.
	UKTI support focuses, in particular, on business opportunities in high technology sectors, including Biotechnology, Healthcare, Aerospace, Information and Communication Technology, the Environmental Industries and Financial and Legal Services. Information on commercial events in Israel is posted on the UKTI website (www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk) along with details of specific business opportunities in the market.
	UKTI supports the work of the Israel British Business Council (IBBC) including bi-annual meetings in Tel Aviv and London, and also supports a broad range of activities aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment, including trade missions to Israel, inward missions by Israeli firms to trade fairs in the UK and promotional events aimed at encouraging Israeli companies to list in London.
	Information on annual expenditure on trade promotion is unavailable due to the length of time it would take to research these figures.

Overseas Trade: Israel

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many officials in his Department work on the promotion of trade between the United Kingdom and Israel, broken down by grade; and what the equivalent numbers were for the Department of Trade and Industry in  (a) 1983,  (b) 1987 and  (c) in each year between 1998 and 2005.

Gareth Thomas: The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team in the British embassy in Tel Aviv currently comprises one UK based C5 Head of Section and six local Israeli staff. In addition, UKTI employs one Range 8 officer in London, focussed primarily on boosting trade and investment links with Israel, as well as more senior staff who have wider geographical responsibilities, which include Israel.
	In 2005, the UKTI team in Tel Aviv was managed by a UK based D6 Head of Section, although the team was the same size. Two UKTI staff were employed in London with responsibilities for trade and investment with Israel, at Range 8 and Range 6 level.
	With regard to the other years requested, these records are not held centrally by the Department.

Maternity Services: EC Action

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the likely effect on maternity services provided by  (a) the NHS and  (b) the independent sector of the transposition into UK law of the EU Services Directive;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the transposition into UK law of the EU Services Directive on the ability of providers of maternity services based in another EU member state to offer their services in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: The directive excludes health care services, regardless of the ways in which they are organised and financed at national level, or whether they are public or private. Health care services, including maternity services, covered by this exclusion will not be affected by the services directive.

Political Levy

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will take steps to introduce an opt-in system for trade union political funds in England.

Patrick McFadden: Since 1946, the law has provided for trade union members to opt out of contributing to their union's political fund. This aspect of trade union law is well-established, and the Government have no current plans to change it.

Political Levy

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what guidance has been provided under the direct debit guarantee on whether trade unions are required to  (a) notify in advance and  (b) inform trade union members paying by direct debit should the amount and value of the political levy on their trade union subscription change.

Patrick McFadden: The direct debit guarantee is a voluntary arrangement which applies to banks and building societies taking part in the direct debit scheme. As far as I am aware, there is no specific guidance relating to the application of the guarantee to the payment of union subscriptions.

Post Offices

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many mobile post office outreach services have been provided since such services were first introduced; and what, on average, the annual cost of such a service is.

Patrick McFadden: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of POL, to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Offices

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many post offices were open in each year since 1997 in  (a) Guildford,  (b) South West Surrey and  (c) England.

Patrick McFadden: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of POL to reply direct to the hon. Member. I will place copies of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether the economic impact on local business resulting from the closure of post offices was taken into account when deciding on the policy to close 2,500 post offices.

Patrick McFadden: The Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network made clear that Post Office Ltd.'s local proposals for, and decisions on, closures will need to reflect consideration of a range of factors including the impact on local economies as well as compliance with the access criteria set by the Government and have taken account of significant local geographic constraints.

Post Offices: Closures

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what terms he has laid down for specialist staff to be selected, trained and employed in those post offices which are being moved into WH Smith retail operations.

Patrick McFadden: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of POL, to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if his Department will provide additional resources for public transport in those areas where post offices are closed.

Patrick McFadden: The Department does not provide funding for public transport. However, as the Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network made clear that Post Office Ltd.'s local proposals for, and decisions on, closures will need to reflect consideration of a range of factors including the availability of public transport as well as compliance with the access criteria set by the Government.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment his Department has made of the accuracy of the travel times to alternative post offices quoted in the documents supporting the post office's network change programme.

Patrick McFadden: None. This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL). I have therefore asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of POL, to reply direct to the hon. Member.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how the proportion of elderly people in affected communities was reflected in the Government's criteria for post office closures.

Patrick McFadden: The Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network made clear that Post Office Ltd.'s local proposals for, and decisions on, closures will need to reflect consideration of a range of factors such as local demographics including the age profile of communities in the areas affected as well compliance with he access criteria set by the Government. The age profiles of communities affected by proposals in the Sussex area plan are included in the individual branch access reports prepared and published by Post Office Ltd.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will reconsider the closure of post offices where there is significant public opposition to the closure plans.

Patrick McFadden: Final decisions on post office closures rest with Post Office Ltd. However Post Office Ltd. has set up with Postwatch, the consumer body representing customers, a three stage review process for contentious cases, with increasing seniority of the respective Post Office Ltd. and Postwatch representatives. Last week, Post Office Ltd. announced an additional stage whereby, for those difficult cases where no agreement could be reached in the earlier review stages, Allan Leighton, chairman of Royal Mail Group, will review the issues and reach a final decision.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what account will be taken of the views of local people when considering which post offices in Sussex should close under the plans announced this month.

Patrick McFadden: During each public consultation significant volumes of comments and correspondence are received from local people, their representatives and other interested bodies. All information and views received during the consultation period is carefully considered before final decisions are made.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what account the Government plans to take of the proportion of elderly residents in deciding in which areas to close post offices.

Patrick McFadden: In formulating its area plan proposals for post office closures and new outreach services, Post Office Ltd. is required to consider the age profile of residents in the areas affected. The age profiles of communities affected by proposals in the Sussex area plan are included in the individual branch access reports prepared and published by Post Office Ltd.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of whether the proposed closures of post offices in East Worthing and Shoreham meet the criteria on the needs of local people in the area.

Patrick McFadden: It is for Post Office Ltd. to ensure that its area plan proposals for post office closures and new outreach service meet the Government criteria and consider the wider factors set out in the Government's response to the national public consultation on the post office network. In addition, Postwatch will make its own assessment of the proposals in the context of the criteria and the local consultation provides a further opportunity for the needs of local people to be voiced and any new or additional information to be brought to Post Office Ltd.'s attention before final decisions are made.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will ask the Office of Government Commerce to review the consultation process begun by Post Office Ltd. to close post offices in Sussex.

Patrick McFadden: Post Office Ltd.'s consultation process for area plan proposals for post office closures and new outreach services in Sussex and elsewhere follows the framework set out in the Government response to the national public consultation on the post office network. The memorandum of understanding between Post Office Ltd. and Postwatch sets out more detailed arrangements for the local public consultation process.

Post Offices: Closures

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what guidelines were followed by Post Office Ltd. in the consultation period on the closure of post offices in Sussex.

Patrick McFadden: As required by the code, the Government conducted a 12 week consultation on their proposals for the Post Office network which considered the principle of whether there should be post office closures and new outreach services. Post Office Ltd.'s six week local public consultations on its area plans are on how changes are to be implemented at the local level. Before these local public consultations begin, Post Office Ltd. seeks detailed input from Postwatch, local authorities and sub-postmasters in developing its proposals. I understand that Post Office Ltd. takes the view that the combination of the pre-consultation phase and the subsequent six week of local public consultation period enables sufficiently robust consultations to take place at a local area level. I also understand from the company that the level of response to those local consultations which have now closed has been high.

Post Offices: Closures

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform who decided that the consultation period for post office closures would be six weeks; and for what reasons that period was decided on.

Patrick McFadden: The Government decided that the consultation period for post office closures would be six weeks as set out in their response to the national public consultation on the post office network. The early stages of developing Post Office Ltd.'s area plan proposals post office closures and new outreach service involve detailed plan development discussions with Postwatch and the involvement of local authorities in advance of formal public consultation. When combined with the subsequent six weeks of public consultation, the Government believe that this enables sufficiently robust consultations to take place at a local area level. We are also mindful of the fact that the organisation representing sub-postmasters argued for a speedy local consultation to minimise uncertainty for sub-postmasters and customers.

Post Offices: Closures

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the effect of local post office closures in Guildford and Waverley on the accessibility of services for local residents.

Patrick McFadden: The access criteria set out in the Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network are designed to maintain a national network and reasonable access to post office services. In developing its area plan proposals for post office closures and new outreach service, Post Office Ltd must give consideration to a range of factors such as availability of public transport and alternative access to key post office services, local demographics and the impact on local economies as well as any local geographical constraints and must also ensure compliance with the access criteria set by the Government.

Post Offices: Closures

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment has been made of the effect of post office closures where the local community has bought the shop which incorporates a post office.

Patrick McFadden: Post Office Ltd's local decisions on closures will need to reflect consideration of a range of factors such as the impact on local economies as well compliance with the access criteria set by the Government. The effect of the closure of individual post offices on any associated retail business will not be known until the implementation of Post Office Ltd's network change plan for that area is completed.

Post Offices: Closures

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform for what reasons there will be no consultations on post office closures between April and 2 May 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: The normal purdah arrangements, set out in Cabinet Office guidance which has been observed by successive Administrations of both parties for many years, take effect every year during local elections. The guidance clearly states that consultations, and decisions relating to them, should not be launched in an election period and this will apply from 7 April to 2 May in respect of the local elections to be held in England and Wales on 1 May 2008.

Post Offices: Hampshire

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what the timetable is for the Post Office to finalise assessments of all of its sub-post offices in Hampshire; and if he will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: This is an operational matter for Post Office Ltd. (POL). I understand that the consultation period for post offices in Hampshire ended on 26 November, and that final decisions on closures are expected to be announced by POL on 4 January 2008.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the future viability of businesses currently housing post offices once they are removed under the closure plans in Sussex.

Patrick McFadden: Post Office Ltd.'s local decisions on closures will need to reflect consideration of a range of factors such as the impact on local economies as well compliance with the access criteria set by the Government. The effect of the closure of individual post offices on any associated retail business will not be known until the implementation of Post Office Ltd.'s network change plan for Sussex is completed.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the economic effect on local businesses of the closure of post offices in Sussex.

Patrick McFadden: In developing its area plan proposals for post office closures in Sussex, Post Office Ltd. is required to consider a range of factors including the impact on local economies as well compliance with the access criteria set by the Government.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what criteria the Government has set out to ensure that people with disabilities have continued access to post office facilities under the proposals to close services in Sussex.

Patrick McFadden: The access criteria set out in the Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network are designed to maintain a national network and reasonable access to post office services. It is the responsibility of individual post offices to meet the requirements of disability discrimination legislation with regard to access to their premises for disabled customers.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will take steps to ensure that full information on the proposed closure of post offices in Sussex be delivered to every household in affected areas.

Patrick McFadden: At the start of each local public consultation, Post Office Ltd. publishes full information on its area plan proposals for post office closures and new outreach services on its website and all post office branches in the area display posters for customers. Those offices likely to be affected by the proposals also provide leaflets giving information about the changes proposed for that office.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of the proposed closure of post offices in Sussex arising from increased travelling.

Patrick McFadden: As stated in the Government's response to the public consultation on the post office network, closures will principally affect a combination of branches in areas of overprovision. In taking a strategic overview of service provision in areas of over-provision, Post Office Ltd. will ensure that people will be able to find an alternative branch nearby and the vast majority will still be within walking distance of their nearest office. With the least used offices, the numbers of people affected, will, by the nature of the offices, be low. I understand from Post Office Ltd. that under the area plan proposals for Sussex, 99.6. per cent. of the population will either see no change to the branch they currently use or will be within one mile of an alternative branch.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what pre-consultation preparation  (a) the Government required and  (b) was undertaken by Royal Mail before the public consultation on post office closures in Sussex was launched.

Patrick McFadden: In its response to the public consultation on the post office network, the Government made clear that in the early stages of developing its area plan proposals Post Office Ltd. would have detailed discussions with Postwatch and seek input from local authorities. In developing the Sussex area plan, Post Office Ltd. has received input from Postwatch and from local authorities

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will ask Post Office Ltd. to extend the period of consultation on the closure of post offices in Sussex to at least 12 weeks.

Patrick McFadden: As the Government's response to the national public consultation on the post office network explained the arguments for a longer local consultation period were considered but the Government decided to confirm their decision for a six week local consultation period reflecting the approach followed during the latter stages of the urban reinvention programme. The early stages of developing Post Office Ltd.'s area plan proposals involve detailed plan development discussions with Postwatch and the involvement of local authorities in advance of formal public consultation. When combined with the subsequent six weeks of public consultation, the Government believe that this will enable sufficiently robust consultations to take place at a local area level. We are also mindful of the fact that the organisation representing sub-postmasters argued for a speedy local consultation to minimise uncertainty for sub-postmasters and customers.

Post Offices: Sussex

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform if he will visit East Worthing and Shoreham to discuss the Government's criteria used to determine post office network changes with local residents.

Patrick McFadden: The Government's criteria for post office network changes were confirmed in their response to the national public consultation on the post office network. The Government's response is available on the Department's website.

Post Offices: West Midlands

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when the Post Office Network Change Programme consultation will begin for the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands area; and if he will make a statement.

Patrick McFadden: I understand from Post Office Ltd. that the local public consultation on its area plan for Herefordshire, Worcestershire and West Midlands is scheduled to start on 27 August 2008.

Postal Services

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform which companies are under contract to his Department to provide mail services.

Gareth Thomas: My Department uses the following companies to provide mail services.:
	Royal Mail: same day delivery and first and second class mail;
	Parcel Force: next day delivery, timed mail and 48-hour delivery;
	Lewis Day: international couriers;
	Government Mail: internal mail;
	Pitney Bowes: mail screening;
	FCO: diplomatic bag;
	DHL: bulk deliveries of exhibition material.

Retirement

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether his Department requires its employees to retire at the latest at 65 years of age; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: The Department's retirement age is 65, although staff can retire at any age between 60 and 65 subject to giving three months notice. As the Department's retirement age was increased from age 60 to 65 in 2002, staff who continued working beyond age 60 are only now reaching 65. Staff are notified eight months before they are 65 of their right to request to work after they are 65 and their line manager considers their request.
	The Department has decided to retain the default retirement age of 65 in the short term. This will be reviewed at the beginning of 2008 ahead of the wider review of the default retirement age in 2011.

Severn Barrage

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 
	(1)  who will lead the feasibility study on the prospects for a Severn Barrage; which organisations will be contributing to the study; and if he will make a statement.
	(2)  what the expected cost is of the feasibility study on the prospects for a Severn Barrage; and if he will make a statement.
	(3)  when he expects the feasibility study on the prospects for a Severn Barrage to begin; how long he expects the study to take; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 3 December 2007,  Official Report, column 908W.

Tidal Power: Pembrokeshire

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what funds his Department has  (a) committed and  (b) spent on the development of a tidal power project off the north Pembrokeshire coast.

Malcolm Wicks: A total of 3,226,449 has been committed through the Technology Strategy Board's technology programme (formerly DTIs technology programme) to assist Lunar Energy Ltd develop the novel tidal turbine technology that would be used for the project.
	This type of early commercial scale project can attract support under BERR's 50 million marine renewables deployment fund.

Tidal Power: Pembrokeshire

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the likely timetable for  (a) gaining planning consents and  (b) construction of the tidal power scheme proposed by Lunar Energy and E.on.

Malcolm Wicks: No such assessment has been made as there has been no application made for consent under the Electricity Act 1989 in respect of the tidal power scheme proposed by Lunar Energy Limited and E.on UK plc.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Central Sponsor for Information Assurance Unit

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  what the budget was of the Central Sponsor for Information Assurance Unit in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many people were employed in the Central Sponsor for Information Assurance Unit in each of the last five years.

Edward Miliband: holding answer 27 November 2007
	 The Central Sponsor for Information Assurance forms part of the work of the Intelligence, Security and Resilience Group (ISS). Details for this group are included in the Department's annual report and accounts, copies of which are available in the Library of the House for the reference of Members.

Departmental Staff

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  what the percentage turnover of staff was in  (a) his Department and  (b) his Department's agencies in (i) the last 12-month period and (ii) the last 24-month period for which figures are available;
	(2)  what the percentage turnover of staff was in the Office of the Leader of the House in  (a) the last 12-month period and  (b) the last 24-month period for which figures are available.

Gillian Merron: For these purposes the Office of the Leader of the House forms part of the Cabinet Office and is covered in overall figures for the Cabinet Office set out as follows.
	The turnover rate for the Cabinet Office for the 2006-07 financial year was 26.9 per cent. and for the 24 months from April 2005 to March 2007 period was 26.5 per cent. The Department has a higher level of turnover compared to other Government Departments, because there are significant numbers of staff on fixed term appointments, on loan from other Government Departments or on secondment from external organisations, bringing in people with relevant skills/expertise to work on current priorities.
	For the Central Office of Information, equivalent figures are 12.9 per cent. and 11.8 per cent.
	Turnover figures include all staff who have left the relevant Department in the relevant period, including staff who have moved to other Government Departments, as well as staff who have left the civil service.

Departmental Secondment

Theresa May: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from his Department in each year since 1997; which organisations staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year;
	(2)  how many secondments of staff were made  (a) to and  (b) from the Office of the Leader of the House in each year since 1997; which organisations' staff were seconded (i) to and (ii) from; how many staff were seconded in each year; for how long each secondment lasted; and what the cost was of each secondment in each year.

Gillian Merron: I have placed in the Libraries of the House details of secondments to and from the Cabinet Office since 2002-03, including the Office of the Leader of the House. The Cabinet Office does not hold the information in the detail requested for secondments before April 2002.
	Costs of secondments cannot be provided as salary and pension undertakings are split according to the terms of each secondment and are therefore not held centrally. It is, however, usual for the host organisation to bear the cost for a secondee.

Social Exclusion: Co-ordinated Policy

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans the Government have to co-ordinate the co-ordinating role of the Social Exclusion Task Force with the co-ordinating role of the Child Poverty Unit; and where responsibility lies for such co-ordination.

Edward Miliband: holding answer 3 December 2007
	The Social Exclusion Task Force sits at the centre of Government in order to facilitate collaborative working on social exclusion across Government Departments. It works closely with a number of key units, including the Child Poverty Unit, which concentrates on child poverty issues.

Departmental Health Insurance

Norman Lamb: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many officials in  (a) the Cabinet Office and  (b) No. 10 Downing Street have private health insurance provided as part of their employment package.

Gillian Merron: The Cabinet Office, which includes the Prime Minister's Office, does not offer private health insurance as part of its employment package.
	The Civil Service Compensation Scheme and the Civil Service Injury Benefits Scheme provide support to qualifying employees who are unable to work through illness or injury.
	In addition, two independent societies offer civil servants health insurance cover and treatment at competitive rates.

Public Participation: Incentives

Francis Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the average cash incentive payment or expenses payment given to participants to take part in citizens' juries was in each citizens' jury so far held.

Edward Miliband: The Cabinet Office held a day long deliberative forum on the draft legislative programme. 76 members of the general public attended this event, with an average payment of 207 for each person who attended, which included the cost of their accommodation and travel.

TREASURY

Average Earnings

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average national wage was in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average national wage was in each year since 1997. (170956)
	Levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for full-time employees on adult rates of pay, whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom.
	ASHE results can be obtained on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ashe

Average Earnings: Eastern Region

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average wage was for persons aged between 16 and 25 years  (a) in total and  (b) for those (i) with and (ii) without higher education qualifications in each parliamentary constituency in the Eastern region in each year since 1997.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question about what the average wage was for persons aged between 16 and 25 years  (a) in total and  (b) for those (i) with and (ii) without higher education qualifications in each parliamentary constituency in the Eastern region in each year since 1997. (169827)
	The attached table gives the average gross weekly earnings of full-time employees aged 16-24, with and without higher education qualifications, resident in the East region and United Kingdom. The figures shown are estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) for the three month period ending June of each year, from 1997 to 2007. The LFS sample is too small to provide estimates for each Eastern parliamentary constituency. The survey does not collect information about the earnings of self-employed people.
	The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) is the principal source of statistics on employee earnings. However, since the ASHE does not collect information about qualification levels, the estimates given in the reply are based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS) microdata.
	As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		
			  Table 1: Average gross weekly earnings of full-time( 1)  employees aged 16-24, with and without higher education qualification by area of residence 
			  Not seasonally adjusted 
			   Mean gross weekly earnings () 
			  Three months ending June  With higher education qualifications( 2)  Without higher education qualifications( 2)  Total( 3) 
			  East Government Office Region
			 1997 253 205 211 
			 1998 (4) (4) (4) 
			 1999 313 209 229 
			 2000 (4) (4) (4) 
			 2001 306 264 269 
			 2002 294 247 255 
			 2003 309 261 271 
			 2004 332 266 278 
			 2005 342 285 293 
			 2006 323 304 308 
			 2007 379 274 293 
			 
			  UK
			 1997 253 190 200 
			 1998 (4) (4) (4) 
			 1999 290 199 219 
			 2000 (4) (4) (4) 
			 2001 303 228 243 
			 2002 328 237 255 
			 2003 328 237 255 
			 2004 321 249 264 
			 2005 328 256 270 
			 2006 336 265 281 
			 2007 350 272 291 
			 (1) The LFS full-time/Dart-time split is based on respondents' self-classification of their employment status.  (2) Higher education includes decrees or equivalent qualifications and other higher education qualifications.  (3) Total includes people whose Qualification level is unknown.  (4) Comparable estimates are not available for these periods.   Note:  As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.   Source:  Labour Force Survey.

Average Earnings: Herefordshire

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average wage was in Herefordshire in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average wage was in Herefordshire in each year since 1997. (170954)
	Levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for full-time employees on adult rates of pay, whose pay for the survey period was not affected by absence. The ASHE, carried out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in the United Kingdom.
	ASHE results can be obtained on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/ashe

Child Benefit: Personal Records

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his oral statement of 20 November 2007, whether the Government will reimburse clearing banks for all or part of the costs of taking measures to prevent identity theft arising as a consequence of the loss of data.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 26 November 2007
	HMRC is in regular and ongoing contact with the banks on all the issues associated with the loss of the discs.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sanctions have been taken against the HM Revenue and Customs official who posted two compact discs containing confidential child benefit information.

Jane Kennedy: It would be inappropriate to comment on this while there is an ongoing police investigation.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures are in place to compensate individuals for losses arising from fraudulent activity using data released by HM Revenue and Customs inadvertently or by virtue of official error; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 26 November  2007
	The police continue to have no reason to believe the data have found their way into the wrong hands and are not aware that it has been used for fraudulent purposes or criminal activity.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who will bear the cost of the police operation to trace the lost disks containing confidential child benefit information.

Jane Kennedy: HMRC will bear the incremental direct costs of the police operation to trace the two missing discs containing child benefit data.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who will bear the costs to the banks of the increased customer activity due to the loss of two compact discs containing confidential child benefit information; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 29 November 2007
	HMRC is in regular and ongoing contact with the banks on all the issues associated with the loss of the discs.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

James Brokenshire: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the potential liability HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may be under to provide compensation to financial institutions or individuals arising from any financial fraud committed against child benefit recipients whose identity details have been lost by HMRC.

Jane Kennedy: The police continue to have no reason to believe the data have found their way into the wrong hands and are not aware that they have been used for fraudulent purposes or criminal activity.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his statement of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 1101-04, on HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), how much time banks requested after receipt of data files from HMRC to ensure adequate protection of customer accounts before details of the loss of personal information was released to the public; and when he received the request.

Jane Kennedy: HMRC worked closely with the banks to inform them of the missing data and to ensure the right safeguards are in place to protect individuals. The banks asked for sufficient time to prepare for the announcement.

Child Benefit: Personal Records

Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the individuals' records missing in the transfer of information from HM Revenues and Customs are of  (a) adults and  (b) children.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 29 November 2007
	The missing information contains details of child benefit records for 25 million individuals, 9.5 million adult claimants and 15.5 million children and 7.25 million families.

Crossrail Line: Finance

Graham Stringer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the Barnett consequentials arising from Crossrail in each of the next five years;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the Barnett consequentials arising from Thameslink in each of the next five years.

Andy Burnham: holding answer 26 November 2007
	These projects are being funded from a variety of sources including the Department for Transport. Details of the Department for Transport's funding for the years to 2010-11 are set out in Annex D3 of the 2007 pre-Budget report and comprehensive spending review document (Cm 7227). The Barnett formula is applied to changes in the overall Department for Transport's departmental expenditure limit. Full details of the Barnett formula are available in the Treasury publication 'Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly: Statement of Funding Policy'.

Death: Weather

Peter Soulsby: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in Leicester aged 65 years and over died of cold related illnesses between 1 October and 1 March in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many people in Leicester age 65 years and over died of a cold related illness between 1st October and 1st March in each of the last 10 years. (170772)
	Most routine mortality statistics are based on a single cause of death, the underlying cause of death, which is defined by the World Health Organisation as:
	(a) the disease which initiated the train of events directly leading to death; or
	(b) the circumstances of the accident or violence which produced the fatal injury.
	There is no agreed list of cold related illnesses. However, subnormal body temperature, hypothermia, may be mentioned on the death certificate.
	There were two deaths where hypothermia was mentioned on the death certificate(1), in Leicester unitary authority(2), between 1st October and the 1st March in the years 1996/97 to 2005/06(3) (the latest year available). These deaths were in the winter of 1999/2000.
	(1) Hypothermia was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) code 991.6 for the years 1996 to 2000, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code T68, for the years 2001 to 2006. Deaths were included where hypothermia was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate.
	(2) Based on boundaries as of 2007.
	(3) Figures are for deaths occurring in each year.

Delivery Unit

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many times officials from the Delivery Unit have met individuals representing  (a) rail passengers,  (b) the rail industry,  (c) bus passengers,  (d) bus companies,  (e) coach passengers,  (f) coach companies and  (g) cyclists since 27 June.

Andy Burnham: Officials from the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit regularly meet with stakeholders relevant to its work. However, in the period since June 2007, officials from the Delivery Unit have not met individuals representing transport uses or providers.

Departmental Data Protection

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what  (a) procedures and  (b) protocols govern the transfer of personal data between his Department and (i) other Government Departments, (ii) local authorities and (iii) other Government agencies.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer  26 November  2007
	HMRC may only disclose information which it holds in accordance with the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005. Most transfers of data take place under statutory gateways which specify circumstances in which HMRC may disclose such information. All disclosures must be compliant with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Memorandums of understanding, partnership agreements and codes of practice set out the relationship between HMRC and the Department or other body receiving the data, including the specific procedures and protocols governing the use of the information.
	On 20 November, the Chancellor announced an independent review of HMRC's data handling procedures to be conducted by Kieran Poynter, the chair of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Departmental Postal Services

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many items of post sent by his Department were reported missing by the intended recipient in each year since 1997.

Angela Eagle: I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 21 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1179. The review by the Cabinet Secretary and security experts is looking at procedures within Departments and agencies for the storage and use of data. A statement on Departments' procedures will be made on completion of the review.

Departmental Reviews

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what  (a) reviews,  (b) consultations and  (c) taskforces his Department is (i) responsible for and (ii) scheduled to undertake; on what date each (A) started and (B) is expected to be completed; what the purpose is of each; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Information on the independent reviews commissioned by the Treasury is published on the Treasury's website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/IndependentReviews/independent_ reviews_index.cfm.

Excise Duties: Beer

Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department's excise policy on the consumption of beer in public houses and bars; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will freeze beer duty; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will commission a review of the impact of excise policy on the UK brewing industry; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Decisions on the taxation of beer are made by the Chancellor at Budget taking all relevant factors into consideration, including the state of the industry and its contribution to the economy.

Export Controls: ICT

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the IT system relating to export control at the UK's borders; what the problem with the system identified by the European Court of Auditors is; how many posts use individual ad hoc random checking in lieu of the IT system; what the cost of the IT system was in the last year for which figures are available; and what discussions he has had with the suppliers of the system on these matters.

Jane Kennedy: A number of interlinked IT systems are used to control exports at the UK border. HMRC regularly reviews these systems with the trade and with IT suppliers to maintain and improve effective controls and ensure that the UK continues to be a good place to do business.
	In October 2004 the European Court of Auditors noted a problem involving a customs risk based system (TECS), used to target physical controls on exports claiming refunds under the Common Agricultural Policy.
	This problem only affected a small percentage of CAP export declarations. The problem had been identified by customs officers prior to the audit and guidance issued in June 2004 to provide a temporary solution and a technical correction was implemented in October 2005. Routine monitoring continues to ensure the effective performance of TECS.
	There are a number of factors that determine which export consignments are checked and HMRC use electronic risk-based assessments to target our resources effectively. We do not use random or ad hoc checks to identify irregularities.
	TECS is an in-house developed application, in place since 1999. The application is still supported and maintained by in-house staff in HMRC.

HM Revenue and Customs

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his statement of 20 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 1101-18, on HM Revenue and Customs, what assessment he has made on whether the missing computer discs remain on Government property.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 27 November 2007
	The police continue to have no reason to believe the data have found their way into the wrong hands and are not aware that they have been used for fraudulent purposes or criminal activity.

Home Responsibilities Protection

Steve Webb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when his Department will process the CF411 form applying for home responsibilities protection that was submitted by a constituent, Mrs. Donnelly, in September; and if he will make a statement on the length of time being taken to process CF411 forms by his Department.

Jane Kennedy: We cannot comment on individual cases.
	Home responsibilities protection, (HRP), is processed in the national insurance contributions office. Where an application contains all the information required to process the case it can be completed within a month. It can take longer where cases require us to gather additional information and/or for us to contact the applicant or other Government Departments for further information.

Immigrants: Herefordshire

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many immigrants lived in Herefordshire in each year since 1997, broken down by country of origin; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question regarding how many immigrants lived in Herefordshire in each year since 1997, broken down by country of origin. (170950)
	The data you requested are not available for Local Authorities. Census data on the population of Herefordshire by country of birth are available on the Neighbourhood Statistics website for 2001 only. The movement of individuals from overseas into Local Authorities is published on the National Statistics website. However onwards movements within the UK are not recorded and therefore data are not available for the numbers of immigrants living in a Local Authority at a particular point in time.

Members: Correspondence

Julian Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, column 394W, on Members: correspondence, whether Treasury Ministers' written answers which cite earlier replies enclose hard copies of earlier replies, referred to as standard practice in the answer of 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 1133W, on written questions.

Angela Eagle: Treasury Ministers observe the practice of enclosing earlier answers which are cited in our written answers to parliamentary questions. My answer of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, column 394W, referred to a reply which the hon. Gentleman had received the previous day from the Deputy Leader of the House and a copy of that reply was enclosed with my answer.

Migration: London Residents

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of London residents  (a) with and  (b) without British citizenship migrated to (i) other regions of the UK and (ii) outside the UK in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question asking how many and what percentage of London residents (a) with British citizenship and (b) without British citizenship migrated to (i) other regions of the UK and (ii) outside the UK in each of the last 10 years. (169671)
	The mid-year population estimates of people living in London are not available broken down by citizenship over the last ten years. Also, data are not available that show migration by citizenship within and between the regions of the UK.
	However, data are available that show estimates of emigration by British and non-British citizens from Greater London to areas outside the UK in each of the last ten years (Table 1). These estimates are based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS) and are also shown as a percentage of each mid-year population estimate for Greater London.
	The IPS is a sample survey and, like all survey sources, is subject to sampling and non-sampling error.
	
		
			  Table 1: population and international migration time series 1997-2006people emigrating from London( 1)  by citizenship and as percentage of the mid-year population estimates 
			  Government Office Region 
			   MYE( 2)  Emigrants( 3,4) 
			   London  All citizenships  British  Non-British 
			   A ll persons  Estimate ( T housand)  Percentage of MYE  Estimate ( T housand)  Percentage of MYE  Estimate ( T housand)  Percentage of MYE 
			  London( 1)
			 1997 7,015 70 1.0 25 0.4 45 0.6 
			 1998 7,065 68 1.0 22 0.3 46 0.7 
			 1999 7,154 84 1.2 20 0.3 63 0.9 
			 2000 7,237 84 1.2 30 0.4 55 0.8 
			 2001 7,322 78 1.1 25 0.3 53 0.7 
			 2002 7,362 89 1.2 27 0.4 62 0.8 
			 2003 7,364 88 1.2 27 0.4 61 0.8 
			 2004 7,389 79 1.1 33 0.4 46 0.6 
			 2005 7,456 87 1.2 27 0.4 60 0.8 
			 2006 7,512 111 1.5 31 0.4 79 1.1 
			 (1) The Government Office Region of London definition has been used, i.e. Greater London. (2) MYE are the revised mid year population estimates and are rounded to the nearest thousand. Emigration data are for calendar year, rounded to the nearest thousand. (3) Emigrants are the International Passenger Survey estimates for calendar year, rounded to the nearest thousand. (4) The international migration estimates have been revised using a consistent methodology based primarily on the Labour Force Survey (LFS) to allocate migration to the constituent countries of the UK, and to Government Office Regions within England.  Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded independently and may not add to totals. 2. Percentages have been calculated on unrounded data.

Migration: London Residents

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of British citizens migrated from other regions of the UK to London in each of the last 10 years, broken down by  (a) sex and  (b) age.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question asking how many and what percentage of British citizens migrated from other regions of the UK to London in each of the last 10 years, broken down by (a) sex and (b) age. (169672)
	Estimates of British citizens migrating from other regions of the UK to London are not available because the data sources used by ONS do not differentiate such internal migrants on the basis of their citizenship.

Minimum Wage: Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in West Chelmsford constituency were paid less than the minimum wage in the latest period for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people in West Chelmsford Parliamentary Constituency were paid less than the minimum wage in the latest period for which figures are available. (169769)
	Estimates for the number of jobs paid below the national minimum wage by Parliamentary Constituency are not available. However, I attach a table showing the number of jobs earning less than the national minimum wage by Government Office Region.
	A guide to measuring low pay and associated articles can be found on the National Statistics website at:
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=5837
	
		
			  Estimates of UK jobs paid below the national minimum wage by Government office region in 2007 
			  Government office region  Thousand  Percentage 
			 North-east 16 2 
			 North-west (including Merseyside) 32 1 
			 Yorks and Humber 24 1 
			 East midlands 25 1 
			 West midlands 26 1 
			 Eastern 27 1 
			 London 23 1 
			 South-east 32 1 
			 South-west 25 1 
			 Wales 17 2 
			 Scotland 30 1 
			 Northern Ireland 15 2 
			
			 All 292 1 
			 Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, Office for National Statistics

Office for National Statistics: Data Collection

Greg Clark: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on market testing the data collection activities of the Office of National Statistics; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the Office for National Statistics' (ONS) policy for market testing data collection activities. (170130)
	ONS has a policy of using in house data collection for the majority of its business and household survey data collection activities. We review our overall data collection strategy periodically to identify potential opportunities to outsource or market test activities. There are circumstances where data collection is outsourced where it provides better value for money, subject to the quality of the data being maintained and strict confidentiality requirements being assured.
	We tender for Government surveys commissioned by other Government Departments in competition with other survey organisations and have recently been successful in winning contracts.
	Examples of data collection activities contracted to private suppliers include retail price levels for the Consumer Prices Index and some aspects of the 2011 Population Census.

Personal Income: Herefordshire

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the average household income was in Herefordshire in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what the average household income was in Herefordshire in the latest period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions on average household income in Herefordshire. (170953, 170955).
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes estimates of regional gross disposable household income (GDHI)(1) using official statistical geographies known as Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS). This is income of the household and non profit institutions serving households (NPISH) sector rather than an average income of households. The County of Herefordshire is in a NUTS3 region and GDHI per head estimates exist up to 2005. A consistent time series exists back to 1995.
	These data are at current prices and therefore inflation is not taken into account.
	The data table contains estimates of gross disposable household income (GDHI) per head for the NUTS3 region of the County of Herefordshire.
	(1) Gross disposable household income (GDHI) is the amount of money that households have available for spending or saving after deductions and expenditure associated with income, e.g. taxes and social contributions and provision for future pension income.
	
		
			  Gross disposable household income  per head of population( 1,2)  for the county of Herefordshire 1995-2005 
			per head 
			 1995 7,783 
			 1996 8,218 
			 1997 8,681 
			 1998 8,989 
			 1999 9,462 
			 2000 9,988 
			 2001 10,697 
			 2002 11,067 
			 2003 11,558 
			 2004 11,902 
			 2005 12,414 
			 (1) Population measure is based upon mid-year estimate for total population. (2) Estimates are consistent with the national accounts series for the combined household and non-profit institutions serving households sectors as published in Blue Book 2006.

Personal Income: Suffolk

Richard Spring: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average household income in Suffolk was in  (a) each year since 1997 and  (b) the latest period for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question on average household income in Suffolk. (171616).
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes estimates of regional gross disposable household income (GDHI)(1) using official statistical geographies known as Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS). This is income of the household and non profit institutions serving households (NPISH) sector rather than an average income of households. Suffolk is a NUTS3 region and GDHI per head estimates exist up to 2005. A consistent time series exists back to 1995.
	These data are at current prices and therefore inflation is not taken into account.
	The data table contains estimates of gross disposable household income (GDHI) per head for the NUTS3 region of Suffolk.
	(1) Gross disposable household income (GDHI) is the amount of money that households have available for spending or saving after deductions and expenditure associated with income, e.g. taxes and social contributions and provision for future pension income.
	
		
			  Gross disposable household income per head of population( 1, 2)  for Suffolk 1997 to 2005 
			per head 
			 1997 9,254 
			 1998 9,530 
			 1999 9,903 
			 2000 10,483 
			 2001 11,379 
			 2002 11,864 
			 2003 12,391 
			 2004 12,798 
			 2005 13,294 
			 (1 )Population measure is based upon mid-year estimate for total population. (2) Estimates are consistent with the national accounts series for the combined household and non-profit institutions serving households sectors as published in Blue Book 2006.

Population: Greater London

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of  (a) males and  (b) females residing in London were (i) under five, (ii) between five and 15, (iii) between 15 and 20, (iv) between 20 and 44, (v) between 45 and 65 and (vi) over 66 years of age in each of the last 10 years available, broken down by borough.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply-to your question .regarding how many and what percentage of (a) males and (b) females residing in London were (i) under five, (ii) between five and 15 (iii) between 15 and 20 (iv) between 20 and 44:(v) between 45 and 65 and (vi) over 66 years of age in each of the last 10 years available, broken down by borough. (169674)
	Table 1 in the attached table shows the male and female population aged 0 to 4, 5 to 14, 15 to!9, 20 to 44, 45 to 65 and 66 plus for mid-1997 to mid-2006, for Greater London and its boroughs.
	Table 2 in the attached table shows the percentage of the population for males and females aged 0 to 4, 5 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 44, 45 to 65 and 66 plus for mid-1997 to mid-2006, for Greater London and its boroughs. A copy of the tables has been placed in the House of Commons Library.
	The mid-2006 population estimates are the latest available.

Population: Greater London

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the population turnover rates were of each London borough in each of the last five years, broken down by age group.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question regarding what the population turnover rates were of each London borough in each of the last five years, broken down by population age group. (169675)
	ONS publish migration indicators at Local Authority level that show the total volume of migration to and from the local authority per 1000 head of population. These data provide a measure of population churn due to migration but they are not available by age. Therefore the population turnover rates by age that you requested cannot be provided.

Population: Herefordshire

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the population of Herefordshire in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the population of Herefordshire aged 65 years and over in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been; asked to reply to your questions regarding what estimate has been made of the population of Herefordshire in each year since 1997 and what estimate has been made of the population of Herefordshire aged 65 years and over in each year since 1997. (170951, 170952)
	Table 1 shows the total population and the population aged 65 and over for Herefordshire for the years requested.
	The latest population estimates available are for mid-2006.
	
		
			  Table 1: Total population and population aged 65 and over for Herefordshire. 
			  Mid-year  All persons  65+ 
			 1997 168,000 32,000 
			 1998 171,000 32,000 
			 1999 172,000 33,000 
			 2000 174,000 33,000 
			 2001 175,000 34,000 
			 2002 175,000 34,000 
			 2003 176,000 35,000 
			 2004 177,000 35,000 
			 2005 177,000 36,000 
			 2006 178,000 36,000 
			  Note: Data are rounded to the nearest 1,000.  Source: Office for National Statistics

Retail Prices Index

Desmond Swayne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the effectiveness of the retail price index in measuring the real cost of living; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The Chancellor and other Treasury Ministers receive a wide number of representations on economic and statistical issues. The Government believe that the maintenance of low and stable inflation is a crucial platform for increasing economic prosperity and achieving an affordable cost of living for all. Under this Government's monetary policy framework, the UK has benefited from its longest period of sustained low and stable inflation since the 1960s. GDP in the UK has now expanded for 61 consecutive quarters, the longest unbroken expansion on record.

Self-employed

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of people in the UK were self-employed in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about how many and what percentage of people in the UK were self-employed in each year since 1997. (170959)
	Not seasonally adjusted and seasonally adjusted estimates for self-employed people are published each month in the Labour Market Statistics First Release in table 3. Please visit the following link;
	http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=1944
	The attached table has been derived from the published seasonally adjusted table 3. It shows the number of people aged 16 and over in the category requested for the three month period ending September each year, from 1997 to 2007. These estimates are seasonally adjusted.
	Estimates are taken from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a margin of uncertainty.
	
		
			  Employment( 1)  and self-employment: United Kingdom, seasonally adjusted, July-September 1997 to 2007 
			   All in employment (Age 16 and over) 
			  Three months ending September each year  Total in employment (Thousand)  Self - employed (Thousand)  Self - employed as a percentage of all those in employment 
			 1997 26,572 3,453 13 
			 1998 26,832 3,302 12 
			 1999 27,206 3,307 12 
			 2000 27,542 3,258 12 
			 2001 27,705 3,311 12 
			 2002 27,913 3,355 12 
			 2003 28,214 3,646 13 
			 2004 28,466 3,585 13 
			 2005 28,834 3,667 13 
			 2006 29,044 3,768 13 
			 2007 29,223 3,837 13 
			 Relationship between columns: 3=2/1'100 (1) People aged 16 or over are classed as in employment by the LFS if they have done at least one hour of paid work (as an employee or self-employed) in the week prior to their LFS interview or if they have a job that they are temporarily away from. People who do unpaid work in a family business and people on Government-supported training and employment programmes are also included according to the International Labour Organisation convention. The Labour Force Survey is a survey of the population of private households, student halls of residence and NHS accommodation. See Concepts and Definitions.  Source:  Labour Force Survey

Self-employed: Herefordshire

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of people in Herefordshire were self-employed in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many and what percentage of people in Herefordshire were self-employed in each year since 1997. (170958)
	The Office for National Statistics compiles employment statistics for local areas from the annual local area Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation definitions.
	The table attached shows numbers of self-employed people and these as a percentage of all employed in the Herefordshire county, for the 12 month periods ending in February from 1998 to 2004 from the annual local area LFS and for the 12 months ending in March from 2005 to 2007 from the APS.
	Estimates for a subset of the population in a small geographical area are based on very small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty. Changes over time should be treated with particular caution.
	
		
			  Self-employed people resident in Herefordshire county 
			  12 months ending :  Self-employed (thousand)  Self-employed as a percentage of all employed 
			  February   
			 1998 16 19 
			 1999 16 21 
			 2000 11 15 
			 2001 17 20 
			 2002 15 18 
			 2003 15 18 
			 2004 16 19 
			  March   
			 2005 18 20 
			 2006 19 22 
			 2007 17 20 
			  Note: Estimates are subject to sampling variability. Changes in the estimates over time should be treated with caution.  Source:  Annual local area Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey.

Social Investment Bank

Graham Allen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the Social Investment Bank to make its first loan; and whether  (a) local authorities and  (b) local strategic partnerships will be able to borrow from the Social Investment Bank.

Jane Kennedy: The consultation document on the Government's proposals for a distribution mechanism for unclaimed assets stated that the Government's priorities for spending in England would be youth services, followed by financial capability and inclusion. In addition, the document stated:
	Resources permitting, the Government would also like to see some of the available assets in England used to invest in the long-term sustainability of the third sector and to boost social investment.
	Clause 17 of the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill currently before the House of Lords will therefore enable dormant account funds to be allocated to a social investment wholesaler, should resources permit.

Unemployment: Chelmsford

Simon Burns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many 18 to 24 year olds were unemployed in  (a) West Chelmsford constituency and  (b) Chelmsford local authority area in each September from 2001 to 2007.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many 18 to 24 year olds were unemployed in (a) West Chelmsford constituency and (b) Chelmsford local authority area in each September from 2001 to 2007. (170300)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles unemployment statistics from the annual local area Labour Force Survey (LFS) and the Annual Population Survey (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. These are annual surveys and the estimates derived from them cover twelve month periods, rather than a particular month.
	However, from the annual LFS and the APS, there are only two periods in the last 6 years where the sample sizes are sufficient to provide an estimate of the number of unemployed 18 to 24 year olds resident in the West Chelmsford constituency or Chelmsford local authority. These data are from the Annual local area LFS for the 12 month period ending in February for 2003 and from the APS for the 12 month period ending in March for 2005 as shown in Table 1.
	As these estimates are for a subset of the population in a small geographical area, they are based on very small sample sizes, and are therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty.
	ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). Table 2 shows the number of JSA claimants aged 18 to 24, resident in West Chelmsford constituency and Chelmsford local authority, claiming in September for 2001 to 2007. The numbers are also shown as the percentage of all persons aged 18-24 resident in the areas. Percentages for the West Chelmsford constituency cannot be shown, as the working age population estimates for parliamentary constituencies cannot be broken down into different age groups.
	
		
			  Table 1: Unemployed persons, aged 18 to 24, resident in the West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency and Chelmsford local authority 
			   West Chelmsford constituency  Chelmsford local authority 
			  12 months ending( 1)  Level (Thousand)  Rate( 2)  (Percentage)  Level (Thousand)  Rate( 2)  (Percentage) 
			 February 2003 (3) (3) 1 12 
			 March 2005 1 10 1 9 
			 (1) Only periods where sample sizes are sufficient to provide estimates. (2) Unemployed persons as the percentage of the number of economically active persons aged 18 to 24. (3) Sample too small to provide estimate. Estimates are subject to sampling variability.  Source: Annual Labour Force Survey; Annual Population survey. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of claimants of jobseeker's allowance (JSA) aged 18 to 24 in September of each year from 2001 to 2007 
			   West Chelmsford constituency  Chelmsford local authority 
			  As at 1 September each year  Number of JSA claimants  Proportion( 1)  Number of JSA claimants  Proportion( 1) 
			 2001 180 n/a 270 2 
			 2002 195 n/a 275 2 
			 2003 215 n/a 310 2 
			 2004 190 n/a 275 2 
			 2005 245 n/a 355 3 
			 2006 280 n/a 405 3 
			 2007 255 n/a 370 3 
			 n/a = Not available. (1) Number of JSA claimants aged 18 to 24 as the percentage of resident population aged 18 to 24 of area.  Notes: 1. Claimant count data by age includes computerised claims only. 2. Dataset rounded to the nearest 5.  Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative data.

Unemployment: Greater London

Boris Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many the 16, the 17, the 18, the 19, the 20, the 21,  (g) 22,  (h) 23 and  (i) 24 year old (i) women and (ii) men were not in education, employment or training in each of the last 10 years available, broken down by London borough.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 December 2007:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your parliamentary question asking how many  (a) 16,  (b) 17,  (c) 18,  (d) 19,  (e) 20,  (f) 21,  (g) 22,  (h) 23 and  (i) 24 year old (i) women and (ii) were not in education, employment or training in each of the last 10 years available, broken down by London borough. (169824).
	Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

World Customs Organisation: European Commission

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reasons the European Commission is seeking membership of the World Customs Organisation; what negotiating rights the European Commission will have in relation to EU member states; and what other rights and obligations will accrue to the Commission.

Jane Kennedy: The European Community first applied to become a member of the WCO in 2001 because it has competence for most international trade matters. The WCO's establishing convention does not currently provide for customs and economic unions to become members and will need to be modified. This will take some time, so interim membership arrangements have been put in place and came into effect for the EC on 1 July 2007.
	As a member of the WCO, the EC is entitled to participate in all WCO bodies which are open to general membership. On issues subject to Community competence (which covers the majority of the WCO's work), the EC will cast a number of votes equal to the number of EU member states present at the meeting. For matters falling under joint or national competence, member states will continue to speak at meetings and to vote: the EC will not act on behalf of member states on these matters. However, member states and the European Commission will try to coordinate an agreed position where appropriate in order to present a unified view at WCO meetings.